Six months after riot, fencing comes down
Officials say temp fences can be put up if need arises
The metal fencing and concrete barriers that encircled the Capitol after a mob stormed the complex on Jan. 6. gave way Saturday to an open plaza filled with families lounging on picnic blankets, dogs on leashes and visitors in sunglasses and hats.
The sidewalks where soldiers once stood holding their guns in protection of the complex now filled with walkers with strollers and bike riders.
Children ran and chased each other across the lawns leading up to the steps that were taken over by rioters six months before.
Heazel Trimer, 45, from North Carolina, stood along a pathway facing the Capitol as her daughter Sophia, 11, walked ahead of her.
"Our democracy, our voices were attacked on that day," she said through tears. "For us to still be here, and be able to walk up to it, it's beautiful. It says that we're resilient. It says that we're better than that."
Crews began taking down pieces of the fencing early Friday evening.
More barriers were piled onto trucks and forklifted away Saturday morning.
The perimeter had become one of the last remaining symbols of the failed security response to the riots that disrupted Congress from confirming President Joe Biden's election victory and led to the deaths of five people. The fencing had also become a political flash point in recent months, with officials denouncing permanent enclosures that would restrict public access to the building that previously had about 2.5 million visitors per year.
On Friday, workers in bright neon vests plugged away from row to row, some standing atop concrete barriers to balance themselves as they drilled at the bolts holding the fence together.
Emily Durham, 22, and Colleen Calhoun, 23, both residents of the District, said they heard the fences were coming down and knew they had to stop by.
Durham said that while she did want the fence up for protection and security, the sight of it on her walks made her sad.
"Now that it's down and we're able to walk around this beautiful day . . . it almost feels like normal again," Durham said.
So far, more than 500 people have been charged with federal crimes in the attack.
The House narrowly approved a $1.9 billion security bill in May that includes strengthening the Capitol building with reinforced windows and doors and additional surveillance, among other measures. The legislation now faces an uphill battle for Senate approval.
All of the fencing was expected to be removed within three days and the Architect of the Capitol can "expeditiously reinstall the temporary fencing should conditions warrant," according to a memo sent to lawmakers Wednesday. Capitol Police will continue to monitor threats and the Capitol will still remain closed to public visitors, according to the memo.