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Norton Writes Capitol Police Board Asking for Removal of Razor Wire Around Capitol

February 22, 2021

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today sent a letter to the Capitol Police Board asking that the razor wire on the fencing surrounding the U.S. Capitol complex be removed immediately, because it has little security value this long after the attack on the Capitol, is unsightly and is intimidating to visitors and District of Columbia residents.

The full letter is below.

February 22, 2021

Jennifer A. Hemingway

Acting Chair, Capitol Police Board

Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper

U.S. Senate

U.S. Capitol, Room S-151

Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable J. Brett Blanton

Member, Capitol Police Board

Architect of the Capitol

U.S. Capitol, Room SB-16

Washington, DC 20515

Timothy Blodgett

Member, Capitol Police Board

Acting Sergeant at Arms

U.S. House of Representatives

U.S. Capitol, Room H-124

Washington, DC 20515

Yogananda Pittman

Ex-Officio Member, Capitol Police Board

Acting Chief of Police

U.S. Capitol Police

119 D Street NE

Washington, DC 20510

Dear Members of the Capitol Police Board:

I ask that the razor wire on the fencing surrounding the U.S. Capitol complex be removed immediately. The razor wire is of little security value this long after the attack on the Capitol, particularly unsightly and intimidating to visitors and residents in the neighborhoods immediately surrounding the Capitol complex.

As you know, I have introduced legislation to prohibit the installation of permanent fencing at the Capitol complex, and I want the temporary fencing removed as soon as possible. Fencing may be required for a limited period of time if intelligence indicates, but the time has surely come to remove the razor wire, which makes our country appear unable to protect its own Capitol unless it is fortified like a prison.

I request a written response to this letter by March 5, 2021.

Sincerely,

Eleanor Holmes Norton