WASHINGTON (AP) – Capitol police have asked members of the National Guard to continue providing security at the U.S. Capitol for another two months, according to The Associated Press. Defense officials say the new proposal is being reviewed by the Pentagon.
The request underscores ongoing concerns about security and the potential for violence at the Capitol, two months after riots violated the building with violence that left five people dead. And it comes as law enforcement was on high alert Thursday at the U.S. Capitol after intelligence discovered a “possible plot” by a militia group to storm the building.
The potential plot is tied to the theory of the far-right conspiracy promoted by QAnon supporters that former President Donald Trump will return to power on March 4, the original day of the presidential inauguration.
U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., Said she learned that the 60-day extension request was made in the past 36 hours and that the Guard is looking for volunteers from states across the country to cover the need.
Defense officials confirmed that the request is being reviewed at the Pentagon and that the Guard has begun checking states for the availability of its troops, in an effort to prepare if final approval is given. Department of Defense. Officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.
The more than 5,000 members of the Guard currently in Washington, DC, are scheduled to return home on March 12, ending the mission.
Slotkin said some members of Congress have been concerned about whether there is a solid plan to provide security for members and staff in the future.
“We want to understand what the plan is,” he said. “None of us like to look at fencing, the doors, the uniformed presence around the Capitol. We cannot depend on the National Guard for our security ”.
He said there must be a plan that provides the necessary security for the buildings and staff by the Capitol police and local law enforcement. Slotkin said he was saying House members were quick to hold important votes Wednesday so they would not have to be in the building where many fled violent riots in January. Lawmakers, he said, “don’t feel completely safe” at the Capitol.
U.S. Capitol police officials have also told congressional leaders that fencing that ends up with razor wire around the Capitol should remain in place for several more months.
Slotkin said, however, that he was going to his office to work Thursday. “I won’t let these guys scare me,” he said.