[ad_1]
Washington, DC’s one and only congressman on Saturday pleaded with Capitol Hill police to relax security measures as the nation’s capital braces for what could be one of the biggest snowstorms in history years.
“The west side of the Capitol is well known as perhaps the best place to sled in the high density urban environment of DC,” Democratic Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton said in a statement to the Federal Agency for ‘law application.
The DC MP reminded the Capitol Police that she had a provision in the legislative branch appropriation bill that allowed them to operate the Capitol Sleigh at their discretion.
The U.S. Capitol has been the subject of heightened security measures since the Jan.6 attack on the building by pro-Trump supporters, which resulted in the deaths of five people, including a police officer. Later, two other police officers committed suicide.
CAPITOL POLICE OFFICER BRIAN SICKNICK WILL LY IN HONOR IN ROTUNDA: PELOSI, SCHUMER
Security officials called on 25,000 National Guards to be stationed on Capitol Hill during President Biden’s inauguration, and thousands of troops remained behind in the weeks that followed.
But the congresswoman tried to call in the Capitol Police, asking that the children, who have “endured an extremely difficult year” with not only the coronavirus, but the recent riots that have “militarized” their neighborhood, be allowed. to use the Capitol grounds. .
“It could be the only snowstorm DC has had this winter, and possibly one of the best for sledding in years,” Norton said. “Children and their parents should be able to toboggan on one of the most beautiful hills in the city.”
About 7,000 National Guardsmen remained on Capitol Hill as security officials continued to worry about potential civil unrest when President Trump’s Senate impeachment trial begins in February.
But Norton suggested they could maintain secure measures by allowing only children and adults with children to enter the ground on the west side of the Capitol.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“The sled is just a childhood thrill. It’s the least we can allow our resilient children this winter,” the congresswoman said on Saturday.
A National Guard spokesperson told Fox News on Saturday night, “Unfortunately, due to the current security position, COVID-19 restrictions and the deconstruction of the inaugural platform, we cannot allow the sled on the Capitol complex for the time being “.
“However, we look forward to welcoming snowmobilers again in the future,” they added.
Mike Emanuel contributed to this report.
[ad_2]
Source link