Fence Being Reinstalled Around US Capitol for Biden Speech

Fences are being installed all over the United States. As concerns rise about probable demonstrations or truck convoys impeding traffic in the nation’s capital, the Capitol will be put back up before President Joe Biden’s State of the Union speech on Tuesday.

The barrier will be erected around the Capitol building for the address, according to Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger, and will be put up out of an abundance of caution, in cooperation with the Secret Service.

The announcement comes as officials in Washington prepare for trucker convoys to begin protesting pandemic restrictions this week. The Pentagon has already given its approval for the deployment of 700 unarmed National Guard members to help with traffic management during possible demonstrations.

Separate truck convoys have been arranged through online forums, modeled after recent trucker protests in Canada. Although some are planned to arrive in time for the State of the Union speech, many have alternative starting places, departure dates, and routes. Others may show up later.

After the mob pushed past overwhelmed police officers, broke through windows and doors, and ransacked the Capitol as Congress was voting to confirm Joe Biden’s electoral victory, the fence had become a striking emblem of the anxiety many in the Capitol felt. It stayed up for a long time.

The United States Capitol Police Board had approved a plan to reinstall the fence for a rally in September to support those still imprisoned in connection with the insurgency. Only a few incidents were reported since law enforcement officials and members of the media massively outnumbered the demonstrators.

In addition to the request for backup from the National Guard, Capitol Police have asked extra assistance from outside law enforcement agencies before Tuesday’s presentation, according to Manger.