The police officials suggested that the fence remain in place until September, in part because investigators are tracking continuing threats against lawmakers and the Capitol complex, the person said. The threats range in specificity and credibility, but they include online chatter about extremist groups potentially returning to Washington and to the Capitol in the coming weeks, the person told AP. Five people, including a Capitol police officer, died as a result of the melee. “It’s time for healing and it’s time for the removal of the fencing so the nation may move forward,” the letter read. The acting Capitol Police chief has said “vast improvements” are needed to improve the physical security of the Capitol complex and that she would recommend permenant fencing to help better secure Congress.

Source: ABC News February 18, 2021 15:22 UTC