The USA Capitol Police strengthens security this week and warns that intelligence showed “a possible plot to break the Capitol” by a militia group identified on Thursday, March 4th. Prior intelligence warned of “threats” related to a far-right conspiracy theory that former President Donald Trump would regain power on March 4, a date that marked the inauguration day of presidents prior to 1933.
“The U.S. Capitol Police Department (USCP) is aware and prepared for possible threats against members of Congress or the Capitol complex,” USCP said in a statement Wednesday. “We have already made major security upgrades to include the establishment of a physical structure and increased manpower to ensure the protection of Congress, the public and our police officers.”
“We take intelligence seriously,” he added. “Due to the sensitive nature of this information, we are unable to provide additional details at this time.”
In a previous security bulletin obtained by CBS News, House Gun Sergeant Timothy Blodgett issued guidelines stating that his office works closely with USC) to control possible protests and demonstrations related to what some have called the “true day of the inauguration,” however, the threat seemed to diminish since the insurrection on January 6th.
“The importance of this date has been diminished among various groups in recent days,” Blodgett said in a statement Tuesday. “At this time, the USCP has no indication that groups are traveling to Washington, DC to protest or commit acts of violence.”
As a precaution and to ensure the safety of members of Congress and their staff, there will be an increased police presence throughout the Capitol grounds.
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images
“In addition, the National Guard continues to maintain a presence on Capitol grounds to support the USCP while maintaining a greater security stance,” Blodgett added. “We encourage all members and staff to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to local police authorities.”
Since the Jan. 6 attack, during which riots attacked police and threatened members of Congress and former Vice President Mike Pence, federal prosecutors have charged more than 300 people and more than 280 arrested. A Justice Department official said this week that the department had opened files on about 540 subjects.
Several prominent followers of QAnon, a discredited and damaging online conspiracy theory, have been arrested in connection with the riot that left five dead, thwarting future efforts to restore Trump’s power.
FBI Director Christopher Wray said lawmakers on Tuesday that the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6 was “domestic terrorism,” a threat he said “metastasized” across the country.
Wray said threats of “violent racially motivated extremism” have skyrocketed in recent years and have been responsible for the “deadliest” attacks of the past decade. He said the office is pursuing approximately 2,000 cases of active extremism and that the number of arrests of white supremacists has tripled in recent years.