US News

The ‘People’s House’ once more: Last layer of Capitol fencing removed

By
Social Links for Mary Kay Linge
Published July 10, 2021, 5:19 p.m. ET

The inner ring of fencing around the US Capitol was removed Saturday, more than six months after the Jan. 6 riot that led to its construction.

Small knots of tourists quickly ventured onto the historic building’s broad stone plaza to snap close-ups of its marble facade and iconic steps, and joggers weaved through the scattered groups.

House Sergeant at Arms William Walker said Wednesday that the fencing would begin to come down this weekend based on a new Capitol Police assessment showing a lower threat level than earlier this year. The outer ring of fencing was removed in March.

Workers remove security fencing surrounding the U.S. Capitol.
Workers remove security fencing surrounding the U.S. Capitol. Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Workers remove security fencing as a reduction in heightened security measures taken after the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol.
There were over 40 GOP members that had wanted the fencing removed earlier in the year. Joshua Roberts/Reuters
A worker removes bolts holding security fencing that surrounds the U.S. Capitol.
A worker removes bolts holding security fencing that surrounds the U.S. Capitol. Al Drago/Reuters
Workers remove security fencing surrounding the U.S. Capitol.
House Sergeant at Arms William Walker said Wednesday that the fencing would be coming down. Drew Angerer/Getty Images

The threat level was heightened in April after a Nation of Islam devotee slammed his car into two members of the US Capitol Police, killing Officer William “Billy” Evans.

Republican lawmakers have complained about the fencing for months. More than 40 GOP members of Congress signed a February letter saying that the barriers meant that the building was no longer “The People’s House.” 

“It’s time for healing and it’s time for the removal of the fencing so the nation may move forward,” the letter read.