Capitol Police say they are taking threats for a possible March 4 plot to breach the Capitol as “serious.”
Law enforcement officials on Wednesday warned that a militia group was discussing carrying out attacks at the Capitol on Thursday, a day tied to conspiracy theories about March 4 being a “true inauguration day.”
The police warning didn’t give specifics, citing the “sensitive nature of this information.”
Capitol Police and federal law enforcement have been criticized for not acting faster on intelligence that the Jan. 6 protests could turn violent.
“The United States Capitol Police Department is aware of and prepared for any potential threats towards members of Congress or towards the Capitol complex,” the department said in a statement. “We have obtained intelligence that shows a possible plot to breach the Capitol by an identified militia group on Thursday, March 4. We have already made significant security upgrades to include establishing a physical structure and increasing manpower to ensure the protection of Congress, the public and our police officers.
“Our Department is working with our local, state, and federal partners to stop any threats to the Capitol. We are taking the intelligence seriously. Due to the sensitive nature of this information, we cannot provide additional details at this time.”
Capitol Police have beefed up security since the Jan. 6 riot.
The Capitol remains surrounded with fencing topped with razor wire and some 5,000 National Guard troops remain on site.
