Capitol Police chief calls for permanent fencing in wake of riot
In the wake of the recent deadly pro-Trump riot, the head of the U.S. Capitol Police is calling for "permanent fencing" at the Capitol.
Yogananda Pittman, acting Capitol Police chief, on Thursday argued "vast" security improvements at the Capitol must be implemented, over three weeks after a mob of supporters of former President Donald Trump breached the building.
"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," Pittman said.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The riot at the Capitol building on Jan. 6 left five people dead, and it occurred as Congress was meeting to certify President Biden's election win. The Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday issued a terrorism advisory bulletin warning of a "heightened threat environment across the United States," and it expressed concern that extremists may be "emboldened" by the attack on the Capitol.
Pittman's statement on Thursday came after she apologized to lawmakers earlier this week for the security "failings" surrounding the riot, acknowledging Capitol Police "should have been more prepared for this attack" and that "we knew that there was a strong potential for violence and that Congress was the target."
In response to Pittman's statement calling for permanent fencing, CNN's Abby Phillip on Thursday wrote that "one of the great things for D.C. residents and millions of visitors is the public space at and around the Capitol," and "it will be a sad day if that goes away." NBC News' Kasie Hunt also said that "it is worth considering what we stand to symbolically lose by putting up a permanent fence around the People's House," while The Washington Post's Mike DeBonis criticized Pittman's statement, writing, "Our elected representatives do not have to automatically do what the USCP brass demand be done in order to deflect attention from their own massive failings."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
7 beautiful towns to visit in Switzerland during the holidays
The Week Recommends Find bliss in these charming Swiss locales that blend the traditional with the modern
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
The Week contest: Werewolf bill
Puzzles and Quizzes
By The Week US Published
-
'This needs to be a bigger deal'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published