Republicans are distancing themselves from Saturday's 'Justice for J6' rally as fencing goes up around the Capitol building and the National Guard are on stand by.
Security fencing and barriers were installed late Wednesday as authorities prepare for the rally, which is in protest of the criminal charges being filed against those who stormed the Capitol on January 6th in an attempt to stop the certification of the presidential election.
U.S. Capitol Police said the National Guard are on standby - a preventative measure and a reassurance after there was a delay in activating the DC guard on the day of the insurrection.
'The USCP has asked the Department of Defense for the ability to receive National Guard support should the need arise on September 18,' USCP said in a statement on Wednesday.
Fencing has been reinstalled around the Capitol ahead of Saturday's rally
A U.S. Capitol Police officer patrols the East Plaza of the Capitol after fencing was put up overnight ahead of Saturday's 'Justice for J6' rally
Fencing was originally installed in the days after January 6th and not taken down until July.
Republicans, meanwhile, are distancing themselves from the event.
'They need to take a firm line, buddy,' Senator Lindsey Graham told the New York Times. 'If anybody gets out of line, they need to whack 'em.'
House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy said that he did not expect any Republican lawmaker to attend.
Since the rally is on a Saturday, lawmakers will not be in the Capitol. The rally is planned for the Union Square area of the Capitol grounds, the section of the West Front containing the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial and Capitol reflecting pool, and is scheduled to start at noon ET.
Even Rep. Marjorie Taylor
