US Capitol reminds me of Kabul, Senate Minority Leader says amid heightened security
US Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has objected to the continued stepped-up security in Washington, likening the US capital to Kabul, the capital of war-torn Afghanistan.
“With all this razor wire around the complex, it reminds me of my last visit to Kabul,” McConnell told reporters at a news conference on Wednesday, criticizing the security at the Capitol as overreaction.
“I'm extremely uncomfortable with the fact that my constituents can't come to the Capitol,” said the Kentucky Republican, adding that, “I just checked earlier this morning. There are no serious threats against the Capitol.”
"I think we continue to overreact based on current threat levels and what is needed here at the Capitol. It looks terrible to have the beacon of our democracy surrounded by razor wire and National Guard troops."
Following the deadly Jan. 6 attack by far-right supporters of former US president Donald Trump, the Capitol was placed under tight security that includes a perimeter fence covered with razor wire.
The Pentagon last week approved a US Capitol Police request to extend the deployment of military forces and National Guard troops through May 23 due to potential threats of US domestic terror groups attacking lawmakers at the Capitol.
US security agencies removed Democratic lawmakers from the Capitol last week amid fears of attack by militia groups.
Post-seige review calls for increased security
Capitol Police warned that there was a clear and present threat of a militia-style attack on the Capitol complex.
Pentagon spokesman John Kirby announced that 2,300 or so troops have been approved to remain through May 23, saying that the Pentagon will work to “incrementally reduce” the National Guard “footprint as conditions allow.”
More than 5,000 forces were still in Washington as of this week following security reports of “online chatter” about another “QAnon uprising”, similar to the Jan. 6 attack, which had been scheduled for March 4 but failed to materialize.
Earlier this week, a security task force that had been appointed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California) recommended several measures for improvements to Capitol Police. The recommendations included an increase in staffing, better training and planning as well as an upgrade in security equipment.
The US security review said the Capitol’s policing and surveillance measures are "woefully inadequate" amid fears of violence by supporters of former president Donald Trump.
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