(CNSNews.com) – In preparation for President Joe Biden’s 2023 State of the Union (SOTU) address, security fences have been erected around the perimeter of the U.S. Capitol building, a practice that has become commonplace since the Capitol riot of Jan. 6, 2021.
On Sunday, Feb. 5, at the request of the Secret Service, security fences were erected around the perimeter of the Capitol.
Acting House Sergeant at Arms William McFarland told a CSPAN reporter that the fencing will be removed on Wednesday, Feb. 8, the day after Biden’s speech.
Acting House Sergeant at Arms William McFarland today on State of the Union Address Capitol Security Measures:”At the request of the United States Secret Service, the Architect of the Capitol will erect a fence around the United States Capitol for the State of the Union Address.” https://t.co/Lx2Di47Bm6
— Craig Caplan (@CraigCaplan) February 5, 2023
Since the Jan. 6, 2021 riot, security fencing has been constructed around the Capitol on numerous occasions, such as Biden’s 2022 SOTU.
In addition to fencing for Biden’s last SOTU, 700 National Guard Members were activated and brought to D.C. for the speech to provide security for the address, as well as potential incoming truck convoy protestors that were expected at the time.
No National Guard members have been activated for this year’s SOTU.
In addition to the fencing, Capitol Police announced on Feb. 4 that numerous road closures will take place around the Capitol “to ensure everyone’s safety.”
President Biden will give his second SOTU to a joint session of Congress on Feb. 7th at 9 p.m.