Topline
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Wednesday's House Speaker, pledged to preserve the U.S. Capitol as lawmakers and law enforcement prepare to hold a rally later in the month to demand the release from Capitol riot defendants. This raises concerns about a repeat attack on Capitol on January 6.
WASHINGTON DC - September 08: Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House (D-CA), speaks at her weekly... [+] press conference at the U.S Capitol on September 8, 2021 in Washington DC. Pelosi addressed a variety of issues, including climate change and the debt ceiling. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images). Getty Images
The Key Facts
Pelosi was asked about preparations for the rally on September 18, which is scheduled to take place on the West Lawn of Capitol Complex. Pelosi declined details but stated that law enforcement would brief Congress first, the House Administration Committee, and then the members of Congress. She also said that future announcements regarding the event will be made. After chief Tom Manger's statement that September 18th was being closely monitored, a Capitol Police spokesperson said they were working with their federal, state and local partners to prepare for it. According to spokesperson Brianna Burch, the D.C. Metropolitan Police will be present in greater numbers around the city, where demonstrations are taking place. She also said that they are ready to close streets. Congress is on edge due to the rally eight months after January 6. However, some congressional staffers have expressed defiance. Mark Greenbaum, House staffer, stated to Forbes that he has high confidence in the Capitol Police to protect the Capitol. He also said that the Capitol Police has maintained a perfect safety record at 12 rallies to support the people charged in the Capitol riot.
Important Background
Trump supporters, inspired by the baseless election fraud claims of former President Donald Trump, stormed Capitol on January 6, in an attempt to prevent Congress from certifying President Joe Biden's victory in 2020 Electoral College. This violence resulted in Trump's second impeachment, and was investigated by a House select committee.
Tangent
Braynards call for non-violence is not being heeded by law enforcement. However, they are still concerned that the event could turn into another attack on Capitol Hill. According to Roll Call, an intelligence assessment by the Capitol Police found that it was reasonable to expect violent altercations based on the views of rally-goers.
Important Quote
These people are now coming back to praise those who are out for killing. Pelosi stated that they were out to kill Congress members and cause the deaths of our law enforcers.
Big Number
1,000 According to federal prosecutors, this is the number of assaults on federal officials that were recorded on body camera footage from the attack on January 6. The riot has been committed to nearly 600 people.
Surprising Fact
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Gaetz (R.Fla.), Louie Gohmert(R.Texas), and other members of the right-wing House Freedom Caucus protested their treatment outside the Department of Justice in July. Madison Cawthorn, a Republican from North Carolina, was in serious trouble earlier this month after calling the victims political hostages and promising to get them out.
What to Watch
According to WUSA9, the Associated Press reported that there have been discussions about reinstalling security fencing around Capitol Complex. It was erected following the January 6th attacks and removed in July. Pelosi was asked Wednesday if the fence would be reinstalled.
