Workers remove last of security fence around US Capitol six months after deadly riots

Workers have started to remove the last of the high-security fencing erected around the US Capitol in the wake of the deadly attack on Congress.

The eight-foot black mesh fencing was built around several parts of Capitol Hill after Donald Trump supporters stormed government buildings on 6 January.

But six months on from the deadly insurrection, the last remaining section – around the White Dome complex – is being removed, House of Representatives Sergeant-at-Arms William Walker said.

The work will take three days to complete and can be easily reversed if required, he added.

Officials took the decision to dismantle the fence after a risk assessment and improved coordination between local and national law enforcement.

More than 535 people were charged after supporters of former president Trump stormed Capitol buildings, smashed windows and sent politicians running for their lives.

Five people died in the violence, including a Capitol police officer. Two of the officers who worked to defend the Capitol later took their own lives.

More than 20,000 members of the National Guard were deployed to Washington DC in the aftermath of the riots – with the last contingent remaining until May.

Mr Trump was acquitted in an impeachment trial but is still banned from all mainstream social media platforms over concerns he could use them to incite violence.

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