US police uncover 'possible plot' by militia group to breach Capitol on Thursday
Capitol Police says it is "taking the intelligence seriously" but provided no other specific details on the nature of the threat.
Wednesday 3 March 2021 19:15, UK
Police in the US say they have intelligence showing a "possible plot" by a militia group to breach the Capitol on Thursday.
The threat appears to be connected to a far-right conspiracy theory, mainly promoted by supporters of QAnon, that Donald Trump will rise again to power on 4 March.
That was the original presidential inauguration day until 1933, when it was moved to 20 January.
A statement from the Capitol Police said: "The United States Capitol Police Department is aware of and prepared for any potential threats towards members of Congress or towards the Capitol complex," the agency said in a statement.
"We have obtained intelligence that shows a possible plot to breach the Capitol by an identified militia group on Thursday 4 March."
The statement said the agency was "taking the intelligence seriously" but provided no other specific details on the threat.
Meanwhile, the acting police chief is testifying before a House subcommittee.
In her testimony Yogananda Pittman said her investigators had collected "some concerning intelligence", but declined to provide any details publicly, saying it was "law enforcement sensitive".
The news comes nearly two months after thousands of supporters of then-president Trump stormed the building to try to stop Congress from certifying Joe Biden's election victory.
Capitol Police say they have stepped up security around the complex since January's insurrection, adding physical security measures such as the fencing topped with razor wire around the building.
So far, around 300 people have been charged with federal crimes for their roles in the riot and five people, including Brian Sicknick a Capitol Police officer, died.