The House canceled its Thursday session after Capitol Police warned of an unnamed militia group planning another possible breach of the Capitol on March 4, according to the Washington Post and USA Today.
The House’s change in schedule was made after Capitol security officials became aware of a “possible plot to breach the Capitol by an identified militia group,” and sent a notice to all congressional offices indicating its increased security presence on Capitol Hill.
“We have already made significant security upgrades to include establishing a physical structure and increasing manpower to ensure the protection of Congress, the public and our police officers,” Capitol Police said, according to USA Today.
The debunked QAnon conspiracy theory falsely claims that March 4 is the “true inauguration day” of former President Trump’s second term.
According to the Post, House Sergeant-at-Arms Timothy P. Blodgett told lawmakers in a Wednesday memo that the Capitol Police have “enhanced their security posture” in response. Additionally, Blodgett wrote that National Guard troops remained posted on the campus.
Blodgett also encouraged congressional members and staff to park in garages and use underground tunnels whenever possible — echoing similar guidance that was issued before the Capitol insurrection on Jan. 6.
The Senate remains set to proceed with its Thursday session.
The House is scheduled to pass H.R. 1, which is also known as the For the People Act that would expand voting access, and a policing reform bill named after George Floyd on Wednesday night.
Senate Intelligence chair Mark Warner (D-VA) told CNN on Wednesday evening that the intelligence warning of a potential attack against the Capitol, which prompted the House to cancel its Thursday votes, was a move made out of “an overabundance of caution,” but the threat should still be taken seriously.
Warner argued that he believes that threats by domestic violent extremists didn’t receive the attention that was warranted during the Trump administration because the White House at the time “wanted to turn a blind eye to this kind of threat.”
