Remaining fencing around the Capitol complex to be removed

The remaining fencing installed around the U.S. Capitol in the wake of the January 6 insurrection will start to be removed as early as Friday, according to a memo by the House sergeant-at-arms to lawmakers and staff obtained by CBS News.

Sergeant-at-Arms William J. Walker said in the memo that the decision was made in consultation with the U.S. Capitol Police and congressional stakeholders, and that the removal of fencing could be finished within three days. Although most of the fencing around congressional buildings was removed in March, the inner fencing around the Capitol building itself remained. "Based on USCP's assessment of the current threat environment and USCP's enhanced coordination with District of Columbia, neighboring state and federal law enforcement partners, the Board supports USCP's recommendation to remove the temporary fencing around Capitol Square," Walker said, adding that the architect of the Capitol "has the ability to and will expeditiously reinstall the temporary fencing should conditions warrant."