Following reports multiple trucker convoys could be heading to the Washington, D.C. area, federal, state and local authorities are preparing. Several of the convoys indicate they hope to arrive in the region around the time of President Biden’s State of the Union address.
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority bus drivers have told passengers service in parts of downtown Washington, D.C. will be stopped. Tuesday evening, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser sent out an alert warning of potential demonstration activity.
“Law enforcement agencies across the National Capital Region are aware of plans for a series of truck convoys arriving in Washington, DC around the time of the State of the Union,” a statement from Capitol Police said. “As with any demonstration, the USCP will facilitate lawful First Amendment activity.”
Capitol Police are in the process of reinstalling fencing around the campus perimeter and say more could be coming.
“The temporary inner-perimeter fence is part of those ongoing discussions and remains an option, however at this time no decision has been made,” the department said.
“Our efforts include enhanced intelligence sharing, a Critical Incident Response Plan for the U.S. Capitol, a regional security assessment, and a simulation experiment that developed data-driven recommendations to bolster regional security,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters.