Capitol security must project strength

The sanctity and security of the U.S. Capitol has not been breached since that woeful day in January. But whispers and threats circulate in dark corners of the internet, and a nation remains on edge.

Lawmakers, Capitol Police, the National Guard, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, all are vigilant. Security fencing and razor wire continue to slash across this country’s seat of democracy. A clear message has been sent: “We are ready for the next attack.”

This message does not quite hit the mark. Rather, our country should exemplify the words of President Theodore Roosevelt: “Speak softly and carry a big stick.”

Two months after the fact, the Capitol should not continue to look like an armed encampment. Playing literal and symbolic defense every day unwittingly plays into the hands of those who thought they could influence politics and policy with violence.

A bulking up of security is justifiable, especially given the spike in threats against lawmakers. Jan. 6 response protocols required review and revision. The delays that prevented National Guard troops from arriving quickly enough to assist the overwhelmed Capitol

Police are (rightly) under sharp scrutiny. And communications issues that kept the FBI’S warnings about the mob’s potential for violence from being properly disseminated are certainly being intensely examined, as well.

Evaluation and adjustment: These are commonsense moves. An ever-present show of force is too much. We want solid security at the ready, not in plain sight.