Fencing returns to Capitol amid worries about upcoming rally to defend Jan. 6 riot suspects

WASHINGTON — The protective fencing raised around the U.S. Capitol after the Jan. 6 insurrection will be reinstalled ahead of a planned "Justice for J6" rally on Sept. 18, according to U.S. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger. 

"The fence will go up a day or two before and if everything goes well, it'll come down very soon after," Manger said Monday.

Security fencing installed after the Jan. 6 riot was removed in July.

Manger's announcement comes hours after USCP arrested a California man near Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington. The man was carrying a bayonet and machete in a truck covered with white supremacist symbols. 

USCP and the Washington Metropolitan Police Department are preparing for Saturday's demonstration organized by a former Trump campaign staffer in support of defendants charged in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

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The right-wing rally comes one month after a bomb threat evacuated the Capitol.

Law enforcement experts say officials should prepare for the worst on Sept. 18. Violent rhetoric about the event has surfaced online and counterprotests are being planned for the same day, according to CNN.

“We want to reassure everyone these are temporary measures to ensure everyone’s safety,” Manger said in a statement. “We are extremely grateful for the support we continue to receive from the local community and our Congressional stakeholders as we carry out our critical mission.”

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said the security officials seemed “very well prepared,” much better than for Jan. 6.

“I think they're ready for whatever might happen,” Schumer said. "I believe that they are well prepared, thorough, professional, and I think they are better prepared than people were before Jan. 6."

Former President Donald Trump was impeached by the U.S. House for inciting his supporters to attack the Capitol building, but acquitted by the Senate. More than 500 people have been charged in the Jan. 6 riot, including members of extremist groups such as the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers. More than 30 have been charged with conspiracy.

Contributing: Bart Jansen

Reach out to Chelsey Cox on Twitter at @therealco.