Norton Reassured After Briefing Today by Capitol Security Officials (8/3/07)

Washington, DC -- House Sergeant-at-Arms Wilson Livingood and Capitol Police officials offered to brief Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), a member of the Homeland Security Committee, today after Norton inquired last evening about reports that the U.S. Capitol complex might be in danger of a terrorist attack in the coming weeks. In the meeting today, Livingood and Asst. Chief Dan Nichols both were unequivocal in saying that there are no credible reports on an attack on the Capitol. Norton asked them about press reports citing people taking pictures on Capitol Hill who might want to do harm, but Norton was told that the reports had no basis. Nor do officials believe that the dates leading up to 9-11 are in themselves significant based on the terrorists' MO that does not seem to be anniversary-oriented. In addition, experts say terrorists do not usually leave signs of what they are planning, and therefore security officials have been and remain on high alert. The security officials also told Norton that an advisory was sent to members and staff asking them to wear their ID badges last Friday because it had come to their attention that some wore ID in the Capitol building but not on the campus as they always should.

Norton was particularly reassured when Assistant Chief Nichols volunteered his view that he would certainly not steer people away from coming to Washington in the coming weeks. The Congresswoman had asked for clarification of reports yesterday because she was concerned that alarmist information could cause needless anxiety among D.C. and regional residents and because speculation of terrorist threats here cause special concern among the public and tourists. Ever since 9-11 and the anthrax attacks, Norton has established a working relationship with Capitol security officials in order to have quick access from knowledgeable officials to keep residents and tourists informed with the reliable information.