Fences around the Capitol began to be removed Friday. (Washington Post photo by Jabin Botsford)
A woman bikes past the fenced-off U.S. Capitol. (Washington Post photo by Marvin Joseph)
Published July 11. 2021 12:15AM
Jasmine Hilton and Ellie Silverman, The Washington Post
WASHINGTON - The metal fencing and concrete barriers that encircled the Capitol after a mob of Trump supporters stormed the complex on Jan. 6. gave way Saturday to an open plaza filled with families lounging on picnic blankets, dogs on leashes and visitors in sunglasses and hats.
The sidewalks where soldiers once stood holding their guns in protection of the complex now filled with walkers with strollers and bike riders.
Capitol fencing mostly gone, visitors again chill on plaza
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Final pieces of the Capitol fencing have started to come down
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OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP/Getty Images
More than 20 city blocks around the U.S. Capitol are enclosed by an eight-foot fence topped with razor wire. Five thousand National Guard troops, dressed in camouflage and toting assault rifles, patrol the periphery on foot and in armoured vehicles.
Down Pennsylvania Avenue, a second fence surrounds the White House, Treasury Building and two parks. In places, the perimeter is further reinforced with concrete barricades.