Multiple Senate offices are planning to close Friday amid security concerns around Saturday's rally in support of jailed Jan. 6 rioters, a series of senate aides who were told to work remotely on Friday tell Axios.
Why it matters: The Capitol this weekend will face its first large-scale security test since the deadly Jan. 6 attack. In the meantime, House and Senate offices are taking precautionary measures to ensure their staff remains safe.
- Fencing around the Capitol was re-installed late Wednesday, and is expected to be removed shortly after the rally if conditions allow, U.S. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger said earlier this week.
What we're hearing: Despite congressional offices and Capitol Police being on high alert ahead of the demonstration, leadership say they're confident in the security preparations and intelligence they've been receiving around the rally.
- Following a briefing from Manger with the "Big 4" leaders on Monday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said USCP "seemed very, very well-prepared. Much better prepared than before Jan. 6. I think they're ready for whatever might happen."
- House and Senate members are also on recess, lowering the level of risk, they say.
- As of now, no members of Congress are expected to attend the rally, though some GOP candidates have plans to participate.
