AG百家乐在线官网

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.

Donald Trump's supporters launched the attack on 6 January
Image: Donald Trump's supporters launched the attack on 6 January
Why you can trust Sky News

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.

New footage emerges from US Capitol riot
Image: Thousands of supporters of Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol in a violent insurrection as Congress was voting to certify Joe Biden's electoral win

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.

More on Donald Trump

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 riot on 6 January left five people dead. Pic: The New Yorker
Image: The riot on 6 January left five people dead. Pic: The New Yorker

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.