As the security situation in the US capital continues and warnings about the possibility of extremist violence in the US states, security officials have called for increased security measures in the US Congress.
U.S. Army Chief of Staff Yogananda Pittman called on lawmakers to make permanent fences and security barriers around the compound.
Referring to a 2006 security assessment report to Congress, Pittman said: “I explicitly say that the physical security infrastructure needs to be upgraded extensively to include permanent fencing and the availability of a ready support force near Congress.”
At the same time, more than 30 US lawmakers have signed a petition calling for tougher measures in Congress as well as where they live, noting the growing threats against members of Congress.
However, Washington Mayor Muriel Boozer tweeted that he would not accept any additional force or permanent fencing around Congress until the situation in the US capital stabilized.
Earlier, however, the US Department of Homeland Security warned that there was still a risk of violent and provocative acts by extremist groups and individuals in the country motivated by opposition to a change of presidency.
The ministry also said that the Trump supporters’ attack on the Congress building on January 6 could provoke violent extremists to launch attacks on other US institutions or election officials.
A few days ago, the commander of the US National Guard, William Walker, ordered the deployment of US National Guard forces in the US capital, Washington, until March 31.