On Friday, workers began removing the remainder of the high-security fence around the U.S. Capitol, more than six months after the Capitol Hill protests.
At one point, eight-foot-high black mesh fence encircled several blocks of Capitol Hill, obstructing pedestrian and vehicular movement.
According to Sergeant-at-Arms William Walker of the U.S. House Of representatives, the remaining portions, which enclose just the white-domed Capitol complex, will take roughly three days to dismantle.
Walker said in a statement that the decision to remove the remaining barrier was based on the U.S. Capitol Police’s assessment of the present danger and enhanced collaboration with local and federal law enforcement agencies.
Immediately after the Jan 6 unrest, 20,000 National Guard troops were dispatched to the city to safeguard the structure, according to Reuters, with the last unit departing in May.
Other limitations on entering the Capitol will remain in place, according to Walker, who said the temporary barrier can be swiftly rebuilt if required. Due to the limitation of social interaction triggered by COVID-19, tourists and other visitors have been prohibited from accessing the Capitol since last year.
