After Riot, Acting Capitol Police Chief Calls For Permanent Fencing Around Complex

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Fencing and a heavy law enforcement presence are seen around the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, eight days after President Biden’s inauguration.

Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

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According to an aide for the Committee on House Administration, the Capitol Police Board would need to approve such fencing, and the House Appropriations Committee would need to fund it.

Muriel Bowser, the mayor of Washington, D.C., wrote on Twitter Thursday that while there are «some potentially volatile events upcoming that will require extra security,» the city «will not accept extra troops or permanent fencing as a long-term fixture in DC.»

Fencing remained around parts of the Capitol complex on Thursday — eight days after President Biden’s inauguration, and more than three weeks after the attack.

The Jan. 6 riot ultimately left five people dead and highlighted a number of failures by security forces assigned to the Capitol.

Pittman, who in testimony to Congress apologized for her agency’s «failings» in the incident, said a review of potential safety improvements was ongoing.

«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.»

Claudia Grisales contributed reporting.