Law enforcement agencies around Washington D.C. areĀ increasing security around Capitol HillĀ after noticing an increase in chatter among far-right extremist groups ahead of March 4.\
"The United States Capitol Police Department is aware of and prepared for any potential threats towards members of Congress or towards the Capitol complex. We have obtained intelligence that shows a possible plot to breach the Capitol by an identified militia group on Thursday, March 4. We have already made significant security upgrades to include establishing a physical structure and increasing manpower to ensure the protection of Congress, the public, and our police officers,"Ā the U.S. Capitol Police Department said in a statement.
Members of the fringe groups, which include QAnon, believe the conspiracy theory that former PresidentĀ Donald TrumpĀ will retake the presidency from PresidentĀ Joe BidenĀ on Thursday (March 4). They were expecting Trump to declare martial law and prevent Biden from being sworn in. When that never happened, some people claimed that Trump will be inaugurated on March 4, which used to be the date of the inauguration until 1933.
There are no protests around Capitol Hill planned for Thursday.
According toĀ CNN, Acting House Sergeant at ArmsĀ Timothy BlodgettĀ wrote a memo advising lawmakers thatĀ security was being enhanced as a precautionĀ but assured them that there was "no indication that groups will travel to Washington DC to protest or commit acts of violence."
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