US Capitol looks like a fortress for Trump’s impeachment trial

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• The US Capitol now becomes a stronghold as the Senate is set to host former President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial on Tuesday.
• Tight security protocols were implemented following the January 6 siege that shook the entire country, resulting in five deaths.
• US Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman recommended making the fencing barrier around the Capitol permanent.

From being the place of chaos during the January 6 siege, the US Capitol is now a fortress for former President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial.

On Tuesday, Trump would face the Senate on a charge of inciting violence after holding a rally in the morning of January 6, where he urged his supporters to “fight like hell” and march to the Capitol. The riot was called to challenge the election results as the former president has repeatedly and erroneously claimed massive voter fraud.

As a result, hundreds of pro-Trump mobs stormed the building as they scrambled with the police. About 125 officers out of the 2,300 Capitol police force suffered injuries from the riot, with one death, meanwhile, four civilians died from the incident.

Heavy security measures were placed following the incident to prevent further assaults from extremist groups who were raged because of Trump losing the presidency.

The assault happened as Congress ━ in a bicameral session together with Vice President Mike Pence, legislative staffs, families, and media personnel ━ had convened to officially tally the election results. They were forced to hid themselves in rooms and under the tables as Capitol police were overwhelmed with the pro-Trump rioters.

The violence halted the session for hours, but after authorities regained control of the Capitol, the lawmakers proceeded with the certification as Pence officially declared Biden and Kamala Harris as duly-elected President and Vice President of the United States, respectively.

In a February 2 letter to lawmakers, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wrote that “the insurrectionist attack on January 6 was not only an attack on the Capitol but was a traumatic assault targeting Members.”

She urged her colleagues to gather their experiences through video.

According to US Capitol Police spokesman Eva Malecki, the tight security would be enforced at least until Trump’s trial which would last at least one week.

“The Department’s current security posture continues to demand that we operate at a high-level of readiness for the upcoming Senate impeachment trial and the continued threats directed at the Congress and the Capitol,” she said.

US Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman has suggested that the 8-foot fences circling around the legislative house be permanent, but it was met with strong opposition from officials and Congress members.

“We certainly need to protect our Capitol. But I’m not feeling like that’s the way we want to look as the United States,” Prince William County, Virginia Police Chief Peter Newsham said, in response to the recommendation.

Source: AOL.com