If the radical left is looking for the wrong image to send in a free and open society, they’ve got it. Acting U.S Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman is asking to build permanent fencing surrounding the Capitol building after the Jan 6. attack where a group of rioters were able to break into the halls of Congress. But Washington D.C Mayor Muriel Bowser and many others who live and work in the area are also reportedly opposed to the plan.
Chief Pittman called for fencing to surround the Capitol and extra back-up security in the event of another riot, referencing a 2006 security assessment that talks about installing a permanent perimeter fence. She noted that security experts have been talking about protecting the U.S Capitol since before September 11, 2001.
“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. 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 said.
Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York opposed the plans, saying there has been no threat briefing given to Members of Congress to justify that proposal and that “this is the people’s house.” The move would also strip many Americans of visiting the grounds of “The People’s House” such as sitting on the lawn in the front of the building, access trails and green spaces, as well as school field trips to the steps of the Capitol.
Rep. Stefanik is also one of the Republican House colleagues who has requested a briefing regarding the U.S. Capitol Complex. Democratic politicians have insisted on leaving at least 5,000 National Guard troops in Washington D.C. through mid-March, even though the Guard is supposed to be used as an option of absolute last resort.
Mayor Bowser even took to Twitter to voice her opposition to the plan, saying that security in the city will continue to remain high with the upcoming impeachment trial of Trump in the Senate.
“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.
The Dems should be sure to call this what it is – turning DC into a police state.
