Three weeks after the deadly riots on Capitol Hill, a major change is coming to the People's House. According to the acting Capitol Police chief, a permanent security fence is going to be installed in front of the Capitol.
"Vast improvements to the physical security infrastructure must be made to include permanent fencing," Acting U.S. Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman announced. As you can see, the Capitol will not look quite as inviting.
PERMANENT SECURITY FENCING coming to US Capitol.
— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) January 28, 2021
New statement from acting US Capitol Police chief: "Vast improvements to the physical security infrastructure must be made to include permanent fencing" pic.twitter.com/6JMPfcn1E9
Lawmakers, journalists and everyday citizens are in agreement: Terrible idea.
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) fumed that she nor her colleagues were even briefed on this massive decision.
This is the People’s House.
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) January 28, 2021
I am adamantly opposed. There has been no threat briefing given to Members of Congress to justify this proposal. https://t.co/4YzVRuD85b
— Justin Amash (@justinamash) January 28, 2021
The People's House not so accessible to the people. https://t.co/SYJBLMD7kB
— Melissa Quinn (@MelissaQuinn97) January 28, 2021
this makes me so sad https://t.co/bN47TgRsjQ
— Emma Thatcher (@emmajthatcher) January 28, 2021
Five people died in the January 6 riots that interrupted the electoral college certification. In the immediate aftermath, some lawmakers were frustrated that they had to undergo additional security screening before returning to the congressional chambers. Imagine how they'll react when they hear the latest news...