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Lawmakers briefed on multiple potential threats to Congress before inauguration

ABC News logo ABC News 13/01/2021 12:59:49
a view of a large building: A security fence surrounds the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C on Jan. 8, 2021. © Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty ImagesA security fence surrounds the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C on Jan. 8, 2021.

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill have been briefed about multiple potential threats to Congress between now and the inauguration and urged to take measures for their personal security, which could include bulletproof vests.

House Democrats, who were moving forward on impeachment efforts, were briefed Monday night on the reports by Capitol Police leadership, according to sources on the members-only call.

MORE: Trump lashes out at impeachment effort, claims it's 'causing tremendous anger'

Republicans are scheduled to hold a similar call with Capitol Police and law enforcement later this week, according to lawmakers and aides.

a group of people standing in front of a military uniform: Members of the National Guard walk on the grounds of the East Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C, Jan. 12, 2021. © Michael Reynolds/EPA via ShutterstockMembers of the National Guard walk on the grounds of the East Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C, Jan. 12, 2021.

One alleged plot involved rioters potentially seeking to surround the Supreme Court and the Capitol with weapons, to prevent Democrats from entering Congress and allowing Republicans to control both chambers, the sources said.


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It's not clear how well developed the specific plots are, but Capitol officials are taking everything seriously after last week's riot, sources said.

MORE: DOJ looking at possible felony sedition charges for some rioters who stormed US Capitol

The Capitol Police plan to harden the perimeter around Congress and congressional offices even more, working with National Guard troops and the Secret Service, ahead of the inauguration.

One source familiar with the call described the planned precautions as creating a "bubble inside a bubble," citing notes taken during the phone briefing.

Members were encouraged not to share specific dates with the media and were asked not to publicly disclose the names of the groups that are behind some of the threats, to avoid giving them publicity.

a man standing in front of a mirror posing for the camera: U.S. Capitol Police install a metal detector at the doors of the House Chamber Jan. 12, 2021 in Washington, D.C. © Chip Somodevilla/Getty ImagesU.S. Capitol Police install a metal detector at the doors of the House Chamber Jan. 12, 2021 in Washington, D.C.

The Huffington Post first reported details of the call.

There was also discussion of how members can protect themselves using funds set aside for their offices, including potentially hiring personal security.

The group also discussed putting members of Congress and their guests through metal detectors for President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration next week, amid some concerns from Democrats about GOP colleagues whom they believe may have helped incite the riot or communicated with organizers ahead of last Wednesday, one source said.

Late Tuesday, Capitol Police installed metal detectors around the House chamber, in an effort to police what lawmakers bring onto the House floor.

mercredi 13 janvier 2021 14:59:49 Categories: ABC News

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