U.S. Capitol Police Chief: Militia Groups Plan Capitol Attack Around 2021 State of The Union

Acting U.S. Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman spoke to lawmakers Thursday as Congress continues to examine the security failures that led up to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

During her testimony before Congress, Pittman disclosed information regarding a second planned attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Pittman said that Capitol Police are aware of threats from militia groups, that were on the ground during the Jan. 6th Capitol riots, that plan to stage another attack.

According to Pittman, militia groups have said that they want to “blow up the Capitol” in an attack around the 2021 State of the Union address, which has yet to be scheduled.

“We know that members of the militia groups that were present on January 6th have stated their desires that they want to blow up the Capitol and kill as many members as possible with a direct nexus to the State of the Union,” said Pittman.

“We know that date has not been identified. I think it’s prudent that the Capitol Police maintain its robust security posture until we address those vulnerabilities going forward,” Pittman said.

Lawmakers repeatedly pressed Pittman about how much longer both the troops and the barriers would be needed at the U.S. Capitol.

“We have no intention of keeping the National Guard soldiers or that fencing any longer than what is actually needed,” she responded.