Militias want to 'blow up' Capitol, police chief warns
February 25, 2021
The acting chief of the US Capitol police urged for security measures to remain in place amid ongoing threats by extremists. Several people were killed when Trump supporters stormed the Capitol building in January.
The acting chief of the Capitol police wants additional security measures to stay in place after the deadly January 6 riotImage: Eric Thayer/Getty Images
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Extra security measures should remain in place at the US Capitol amid renewed threats by right-wing militia groups, the acting chief of the Capitol Police said.
Five people were killed in the riot, including a Capitol police officer.
The Capitol is the meeting place of the United States Congress and the seat of the legislative branch of the US federal government.
Militia groups want to 'blow up' the Capitol
"Members of militia groups that were present on January 6 have stated their desires that they want to blow up the Capitol and kill as many members as possible with a direct nexus to the State of the Union," Pittman told members of the House Appropriations Committee.
Pro-Trump protesters storm US Capitol: In pictures
Supporters of President Donald Trump breached the US Capitol as lawmakers gathered to count electoral votes. Here's a look at some of the chaotic scenes in Washington as rioters clashed with security forces.
Image: Leah Millis/REUTERS
Protesters and police clash
Supporters of US President Donald Trump clash with police officers in front of the Capitol Building in Washington DC on January 6. Congress was holding a joint session to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College win over President Trump.
Image: Stephanie Keith/REUTERS
Angry protesters march towards the Capitol
Aggressive pro-Trump supporters rallied outside the US Capitol's Rotunda. Police tried to hold them back, but they breached security and forced their way into the building.
Image: Roberto Schmidt/AFP/Getty Images
Forceful entry
An angry pro-Trump mob breaks into the US Capitol building on January 6, 2021, while Congress holds a joint session to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College win over President Trump.
Image: Win McNamee/Getty Images
Guns drawn
With guns drawn, US Capitol police officers watch as protesters try to break into the House Chamber, the inner-most room where legislators had convened to ratify the Electoral College vote.
Image: J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo/picture alliance
Standoff outside the Senate
Security officials try to hold off the rioters in the hallway outside the Senate chamber as lawmakers on the other side of the door are rushed to safety.
Image: Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Photo/picture alliance
Taking over the Senate
After breaking through Capitol security, a protester rushes to the middle of the Senate chamber and screams "Freedom."
Image: Win McNamee/Getty Images
Invading the Senate chamber
A rioter manages to break through security, and jumps from the public gallery to the floor of the Senate chamber.
Image: Win McNamee/Getty Images
Taking shelter
People frantically searched for shelter in the House gallery, as the protesters tried to break into the House chamber. According to a White House reporter on the House floor, people were given gas masks that were under the seats.
Image: Andrew Harnik/AP Photo/picture alliance
Protesters move in
Pro-Trump supporters took over the offices vacated by lawmakers who had been rushed to safety.
Image: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images
No holding back
Without police or security officials to hold them back, protesters walzed through the Rotunda and lawmaker's offices. This one carried away the lectern of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.
Image: Win McNamee/Getty Images
Tear gas against protesters
Security forces use tear gas on rioters rallying outside the US Capitol Building.
Image: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images
Chaos in the Capitol
An explosion caused by a police munition goes off while pro-Trump supporters rally in front of the US Capitol building. Washington police and the national guard have been deployed to disperse the protesters.
Image: Leah Millis/REUTERS
Dispersing protesters
Members of the National Guard and Washington DC police have been deployed to the Capitol to disperse protesters. A city-wide curfew went into effect from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am.
Image: Spencer Platt/Getty Images
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"We think that it's prudent that Capitol Police maintain its enhanced and robust security posture until we address those vulnerabilities going forward," she said.
These include razor wire-topped fences and checkpoints manned by the National Guard.
Around 5,000 troops are expected to stay through mid-March.
A date has not been announced for Biden to deliver his State of the Union address to Congress, which typically happens early in the year.
US Capitol riot investigation
02:27
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Capitol attackers hoped to send 'symbolic message'
"We know that the insurrectionists that attacked the Capitol weren't only interesting in attacking members of Congress and officers," Pittman told lawmakers at Thursday's hearing.
"They wanted to send a symbolic message to the nation as to who was in charge of that legislative process," she added.
More than 200 people have been charged so far for their roles in the riot. Some have ties to far-right fringe groups such as the Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys.
