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US Capitol Police officials are “closely monitoring” a rally being planned in support of the hundreds of people who stormed the Capitol in January and were later arrested.
In a statement to reporters on Wednesday (September 1), USCP chief Tom Manger confirmed plans for the rally are taking shape, and is apparently scheduled for September 18.
Donald Trump’s former presidential campaign manager Matt Braynard is reportedly spearheading the rally –– dubbed “Justice For J6” –– that is planned to take place on Capitol grounds, according to WUSA 9.
All officers of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department have been activated, the outlet reported, via a department-wide alert notice. Officers’ planned vacation days are also being postponed as officials make preparations.
CNN reported that lawmakers and law enforcement officials are considering reinstalling temporary fencing around the Capitol ahead of the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and the planned rally. Some lawmakers are also warning about growing threats of violence online as justification for precautions.
“You don’t get an insurrection on January 6 and all threats of violence go away. In fact, the fear is that future planning will produce other violent action,” Rep. Madeleine Dean of Pennsylvania told the outlet.
A bomb threat at the Capitol last month has also put law enforcement officials on higher alert. “This is exactly what we have been warning about,” a federal police source told CNN after the threat.
“I’m most concerned for my staff … and I also worry for the Capitol Police,” Dean added. “They are strained, they have been heroic and they saved all of our lives at great peril to themselves.”
In July, several officers who defended the Capitol in January testified to Congress about the harrowing experience they endured by rioters earlier this year. Many said the emotional and physical wounds are still very real.
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