The United States. Capitol Police strengthens security this week by warning that on Thursday, March 4, the intelligence agency revealed “a possible plot to break the Capitol” by an identified militia group. Previous intelligence warned of “concerning” threats related to a far-right conspiracy theory that former President Trump will retake power on March 4, the date marking presidents’ inauguration day before 1933.
“The United States Capitol Police Department (USCP) is aware of and prepared for potential threats to members of Congress or the Capitol complex,” USCP said in a statement Wednesday. “We have already made significant security upgrades, including establishing a physical structure and increasing manpower to ensure the protection of Congress, the public and our police officers.”
“We take the intelligence seriously,” he added. “Due to the sensitive nature of this information, we are unable to provide additional details at this time.”
In a security bulletin previously obtained by CBS News, House Sergeant at Arms Timothy Blodgett issued guidelines stating that his office is working closely with USC) to oversee potential protests and demonstrations related to what some have called the “ real inauguration day ” – however, the threat seemed to be diminishing since the rebellion on January 6.
“The importance of this date has reportedly diminished among several groups in recent days,” Blodgett said in a statement Tuesday. “At this time, the USCP has no indication that groups will travel to Washington, DC to protest or commit acts of violence.”
As a precautionary measure and to ensure the safety and security of members of Congress and their personnel, there will be an increased police presence in the Capitol.
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images
In addition, the National Guard remains on Capitol premises to support the USCP in maintaining an elevated security position, Blodgett added. “We encourage all members and staff to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to their local law enforcement agencies.”
Since the January 6 attack, in which rioters attacked the police and threatened members of Congress and former Vice President Mike Pence, federal prosecutors have charged more than 300 people and more than 280 arrested. A Justice Department official said this week that the department had opened files on about 540 subjects.
Several prominent supporters of QAnon, a debunked and damaging online conspiracy theory, have been arrested in connection with the riot that left five dead, potentially thwarting future efforts to restore Trump’s power.
FBI Director Christopher Wray told lawmakers on Tuesday that the January 6 attack on the Capitol was “domestic terrorism” – a threat he says is “spreading” across the country.
Wray said threats from “racially motivated violent extremism” have skyrocketed in recent years and have been responsible for the “deadliest” attacks of the past decade. He said the agency is pursuing about 2,000 cases of active extremism and the number of arrests of white supremacists has nearly tripled in recent years.