Both federal law enforcement and the Capitol Police are on high alert after a joint intelligence bulletin issued yesterday by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security revealed news of a violent militia group with plans to take control of the U.S. Capitol and remove Democratic lawmakers on or around March 4.
This comes not quite two months after the violent breach of the Capitol by protestors on Jan. 6, an event still under investigation by Congress.
A senior administration official told The New York Times the new threat is reportedly inspired by ultra-conservative conspiracy theory QAnon. The bulletin warned of “increased chatter among extremists, including members of the Three Percenters extremist group,” per CNN. March 4 is, according to some conspiracy theorists, the date they expect Trump to be reinstated as president of the U.S.
In response to the threat, House Democrats canceled Thursday’s session. The Senate plans to convene at noon.
Acting Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman told lawmakers in a Wednesday hearing that the force is “prepared to respond appropriately,” adding, “We do have some concerning intelligence. That intelligence is law enforcement sensitive. We have enhanced our security posture. We’ve taken immediate steps to let the National Guard as well as our workforce know what to expect tomorrow and going forward.” {eoa}
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