U.S. Capitol on high alert due to new threat of possible plot to breach building

High fences surround the U.S Capitol as 5,000 National Guard troops stand watch. They’ve been on hand since Jan. 6, the day protesters stormed the Capitol.

They were on high alert Wednesday night due to a new threat. “We’ve been briefed on the security conditions for tomorrow,” said Massachusetts Congressman Jim McGovern.

Congressman McGovern presided over the House when insurrectionists breached the Capitol two months ago. It’s a day he will never forget.

“January 6th was a tragic day not just for the people here on the Capitol campus, it was tragic day for our country,” said McGovern.

Now a new threat looms: a conspiracy theory claims that former President Donald Trump will return to power in D.C. on Thursday, March 4. That date is when the Presidential inauguration used to take place.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Capitol Police warning of this new danger in a statement saying in part:

“We have obtained intelligence that shows a possible plot to breach the Capitol by an identified militia group on Thursday, March 4.” – U.S. Capitol Police

Security expert Dan Linskey says putting out that alert is done for a reason. “By putting the information out that they’re taking those steps they are letting people know that they are aware of some of this chatter and trying to dissuade them from doing something,” said Linskey.

The House of Representatives has canceled its session on Thursday and moved its voting to Wednesday night.

Rep. McGovern’s office told Boston 25 that House Leadership did that to be safe and finish business. It’s a job Congressman McGovern says he intends to finish.

“Nonetheless I feel safe and I am confident that we will deal with it,” he said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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