CNN noted that the national guards began the removal over the weekend, and by Sunday, many of the black fences that had made the complex a fortress for nearly three months had been dismantled, making way for the typical parade of runners. , cyclists and other visitors are once again making use of the green space.
The removal will take place as a welcome change in a public that has regular access to the site, something that changed quickly after U.S. Capitol police temporarily lost control of the building on January 6 to a pro-Trump crowd in a siege. five people were killed.
In the weeks that followed, officials erected the fence – some of which was full of barbed wire – and apart from the numerous guards and other security people stationed around the perimeter, the only people allowed to enter the site were legislators, staff, guided guests and members. of the media.
In addition to the reopening site, some streets near the complex also reopened to vehicle traffic over the weekend.
The memo states that the decision was reached because there is a known, credible threat against Congress or the Capitol complex that justifies the temporary security fence. ‘
According to Capitol police, it is still operating in a heightened threat environment due to the political climate and the increase in violent extremism, according to an internal email from the department, but also maintains that there is no credible threat to Congress or the Capitol is not. The police force said in the email that plans could change if officials become aware of new threats.
One source says among the many details to consider are a permanent fence around the Capitol, hundreds of new security personnel – the National Guard or a military police presence – and new authorities for the Columbia District National Guard in emergency situations. word.