Forces on high alert amid new threat to US Capitol
WASHINGTON: Law enforcement was on high alert on Thursday around the US Capitol ater intelligence uncovered a “possible plot” by a militia group to storm the iconic building again, two months ater a mob of Donald Trump supporters smashed through windows and doors to try to stop Congress from certifying nowPresident Joe Biden’s victory.
The threat appears to be connected to a far-right conspiracy theory, mainly promoted by supporters of Qanon, that former president Trump will rise again to power on March 4 and that thousands will come to Washington, DC, to try to remove Democrats from office. March 4 was the original presidential inauguration day until 1933, when it was moved to Jan.20.
Online chater identified by authorities included discussions among members of the Three Percenters, an anti-government militia group, concerning possible plots against the Capitol on Thursday, according to two law enforcement officials who were not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Members of the Three Percenters were among the extremists who stormed the Capitol on Jan.6.
The threat came as the Capitol police and other law enforcement agencies were taking heat from Congress in contentious hearings this week on their poor handling of the Jan.6 riot. Police were ill-prepared for the mass of Trump supporters in tactical gear, some armed, and it took hours for National Guard reinforcements to come. By then, rioters had broken and smashed their way into the building and roamed the halls for hours, stalling Congress’ certification effort temporarily and sending lawmakers into hiding.
“The United States Capitol Police Department is aware of and prepared for any potential threats towards members of Congress or towards the Capitol complex,” Capitol Police said in a statement.
Lawmakers, congressional staffers and law enforcement officials are still on edge ater the atack on Jan.6, even as the security posture around the Capitol remains at an unprecedented level.