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US House Cancels Thursday Session After Police Warn of Possible Plot on
Capitol

Reuters

   WASHINGTON - The U.S. House of Representatives canceled its planned
   Thursday session after the Capitol Police warned on Wednesday of a
   possible plot by a militia group to breach the building, a threat that
   echoed the deadly Jan. 6 attack.
   The House had been scheduled to debate and vote on a police reform bill
   on Thursday. But a House Democratic aide said that the police warning,
   based on intelligence that "an identified militia group" could present
   a security threat, contributed to the change in plans.
   Authorities have said right-wing extremists were part of a mob of
   supporters of former President Donald Trump that stormed the Capitol in
   January, interrupting the formal congressional certification of
   President Joe Biden's election victory.
   Thursday marks the date when some right-wing conspiracy theorists have
   falsely claimed that Trump, defeated by Biden in the November 3
   election, will be sworn in for a second term in office.
   The Justice Department has charged more than 300 people with taking
   part in the Capitol siege, in which five people, including a police
   officer were killed. Among those arrested were members of the
   right-wing groups called the Oath Keepers, Three Percenters and Proud
   Boys. The Oath Keepers and Three Percenters are armed militia groups.
   "The United States Capitol Police Department is aware of and prepared
   for any potential threats towards members of Congress or towards the
   Capitol complex," it said in its statement.
   It said it is working with local, state and federal agencies "to stop
   any threats to the Capitol," adding, "We are taking the intelligence
   seriously." It did not disclose the nature of the intelligence.
   The police statement noted that the department already has made
   "significant security upgrades" at the Capitol, home to the U.S. House
   of Representatives and Senate.
   The Senate had been aiming to debate Biden's $1.9 trillion
   COVID-19-relief bill on Thursday. Senator Dick Durbin said the Senate
   would be adjourned until 12 p.m. Thursday.
   On Tuesday, Acting House Sergeant at Arms Timothy Blodgett notified
   members of Congress of a possible security threat spanning Thursday
   through Saturday. It referred to "potential protests and demonstration
   activity surrounding what some have described as the 'true Inauguration
   Day.'"
   For nearly a century, U.S. presidents have been inaugurated on January
   20, including Biden, who took the oath of office on the grounds of the
   Capitol. Previously, March 4 had been the swearing-in date.
   Acting Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman testified to Congress on
   Feb. 25 that Trump supporters who launched the Jan. 6 attack have
   indicated they want to "blow up" the building and kill members of
   Congress.
   Since January 6, National Guard troops have been dispatched to the
   Capitol grounds and tall fencing has been erected to extend the
   security perimeter of the Capitol. Blodgett told lawmakers that the
   Capitol Police department has "enhanced" its security posture for the
   coming days.
   Congress has held a series of hearings on the riot and congressional
   leaders in the coming days are expected to receive recommendations for
   new, permanent security measures at the Capitol.
   The House impeached Trump on January 13 on a charge of inciting an
   insurrection, focusing on an incendiary speech he made to supporters
   shortly before the mob converged on the Capitol, though the Senate
   acquitted him on February 13.