The acting Capitol Police Chief wants to make the razor-wire lined fencing around the US Capitol permanent, an idea MS Senator Roger Wicker opposes. Wicker issued this statement in response to a proposal that would not only make the fencing permanent, but also keep backup forces for Capitol police in close proximity to the White House:
“I am strongly opposed to the installation of permanent fencing around the U.S. Capitol complex as some have proposed,” Wicker said. “The storming of the U.S. Capitol laid bare the need for increased vigilance and greater coordination between the Capitol Police and other authorities to keep the Capitol secure. But making ‘Fortress America’ a permanent fixture of Capitol Hill would be a serious mistake. This would forever alter the public’s ability to visit with lawmakers and engage with the legislative process, which is a core feature of our democracy. I am committed to rooting out the institutional failures that allowed our Capitol complex to be overrun. I hope all involved can find a solution that will guarantee security without unnecessarily shutting out the American people.”
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser tweeted her opposition:
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
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