The US Capitol dome is seen past security fencing and barbed wire erected after the deadly January 6 riots.Credit:AP
Online posts about March 4 from QAnon devotees,who believe Trump is working to take down a cabal of “deep state” politicians,have caused alarm among US security officials who fear further violence could occur.
Almost 5000 National Guard troops will remain in the US capital until March 12,in part because ofconcerns of a repeat of the violent scenes on January 6,said Adam Smith,chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.
The January 6 riot at the US Capitol.
“Some of these people have figured out that apparently 75 years ago,the president used to be inaugurated on March 4. Now they are thinking maybe we should gather again and storm the Capitol on March 4 ... that is circulating online,” he told a hearing in Congress.
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“Stuff like that circulates all the time. Does it mean it’s going to happen? Probably not. But if you want to help,tell them not to do that,tell them that the election is over. Joe Biden won.”
The request for 4900 National Guard troops to continue their deployments in Washington until March 12 was made by US Capitol Police,said Robert Salesses,a Pentagon official.