The U.S. Capitol Police reported Wednesday that security officials may reinstall a fence around the Capitol building in preparation for possible demonstrations that could coincide President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address.
This is the same fence that was around Capitol for several months after the Jan. 6, riot, and during the “Justice for J6” rally.
“The temporary inner perimeter fence is part of these ongoing discussions and remains an possibility, however, at this time, no decision has been taken,” a Capitol Police spokesperson stated. He added that Capitol Police has been closely working with the Secret Service to prepare for the State of the Union on March 1.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin approved the request for hundreds of National Guard troops to assist police in traffic control during the “First Amendment demonstrations” that are expected in the coming days. This was announced Tuesday by the agency.
The National Guard stated in a statement that approximately 400 troops will be from Washington, while 300 could come from other parts of the country.
Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby stated that the Secretary of Defense approved the provision of 400 District of Columbia National Guard personnel as well as 50 vehicles to support Metropolitan Police Department of District of Columbia at designated traffic points.
Federal officials stated that they expect higher traffic volumes than usual in the coming days because commercial truck and vehicle drivers plan to protest in D.C.
Maj. Gen. Sherrie McCandless of Washington’s National Guard stated that “The people who live and work in the District are part our community and their safety is our primary mission priority.”
A trucking convoy could be seen starting in Southern California on Wednesday, and making its way through Arizona Texas Missouri, Ohio, and Missouri to protest Covid19-related mandates.
Other convoys from across the country could be also preparing to travel to D.C. in the coming weeks.
Truckers protested against mandatory vaccinations at Ottawa and the Canadian border over the past month. A group of pro-Trump groups, antivaccine supporters, and QAnon believers in the U.S. have attempted to organize similar events.
Federal officials stated that the UCSP would send alerts informing of any disruptions or demonstrations at the Capitol Area.
