Politics & Government

Last Of Fencing Around U.S. Capitol Building Comes Down

Six months following the Jan. 6 insurrection on the Capitol, tourists and D.C. locals alike can walk freely to the building.

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People walk to the U.S. Capitol as workers remove the fence surrounding the U.S. Capitol building, after six months was erected, following the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol.
People walk to the U.S. Capitol as workers remove the fence surrounding the U.S. Capitol building, after six months was erected, following the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

WASHINGTON, DC — Six months after a mob supporting now-former President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol, the last of the protective fencing surrounding the building has been taken down.

Capitol police said Saturday the fencing has come down due to the "current threat environment" and "recent enhancements" to the Capitol police's response capabilities.

“We are extremely grateful for the support we continue to receive in support of our critical mission,” Acting Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman said in a news release. “We are prepared to quickly enhance our security posture should the need arise.”

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The 7-foot-tall metal fencing was set up to fortify the Capitol following the Jan. 6 attack in which several people died. The Capitol Police approved plans to remove all fencing around the Capitol starting Friday, ABC News reported.

By Saturday, members of the public were able to walk freely on the Capitol plaza and near the building, according to ABC.

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The outer perimeter fence that surrounded the Capitol was removed in March.

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