The acting chief of US Capitol Police has called for permanent barricades to be deployed around the Capitol in a Tuesday statement, NBC reports.
"In light of recent events, I can unequivocally say that vast improvements to the physical security infrastructure must be made to include permanent fencing, and the availability of ready, back-up forces in close proximity to the Capitol," acting Chief Yogananda Pittman said in a statement.
If permanent fencing is implemented, it would drastically change the landscape of Capitol Hill for tourists and residents.
Pittman assumed the role of acting chief of U.S. Capitol Police after the former chief Steven Sund resigned amid harsh criticism of his handling of the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol building. Pittman acknowledged that security experts have said since before 9/11 that the Capitol complex required additional security infrastructure including fencing.
"In fact, a 2006 security assessment specifically recommended the installation of a permanent perimeter fence around the Capitol," she said in her statement.
"In the end, we all have the same goal — to prevent what occurred on January 6 from ever happening again,... I look forward to working with Congress on identifying the security improvements necessary to ensure the safety and security of the Congress and the U.S. Capitol," Pittman continued.
Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser echoed calls for prolonged fencing deployment on Twitter.
1/ Based on conversations with federal partners, there are some potentially volatile events upcoming that will require extra security. Fencing and the presence of troops will be a part of that. But we will not accept extra troops or permanent fencing as a long-term fixture in DC.
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) January 28, 2021
"Based on conversations with federal partners, there are some potentially volatile events upcoming that will require extra security. Fencing and the presence of troops will be a part of that. But we will not accept extra troops or permanent fencing as a long-term fixture in DC," she tweeted Thursday.
2/ When the time is right, the fencing around the White House and U.S. Capitol, just like the plywood we’ve seen on our businesses for too long, will be taken down.
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) January 28, 2021
She continued, ensuring that "when the time is right" the barricades would be taken down.
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