DC landmark closed over 'threats' from pro-Trump groups
Suspension to last through at least Jan. 24 as National Park Service warns against credible threats
The US announced Monday the iconic Washington Monument will be shuttered until at least Jan. 24 over "credible threats to visitors and park resources" after the Capitol was stormed last week by President Donald Trump's supporters, an incident which left five people dead.
In announcing its decision, the National Park Service pointed explicitly to the events last week in Washington, D.C., saying in a written public notice: "Groups involved in the January 6, 2021 riots at the US Capitol continue to threaten to disrupt the 59th presidential inauguration on January 20, 2021.
"In response, the National Park Service will suspend tours of the Washington Monument beginning January 11, 2021 through January 24, 2021 and may institute temporary closures of public access to roadways, parking areas and restrooms within the National Mall and Memorial Parks if conditions warrant, to protect public safety and park resources."
It warned that closures may be extended if the threats persist, and said they could be expanded to include public access to roadways, parking areas, and restrooms on the National Mall and memorial parks.
"These temporary closures are based upon a determination, in consultation with the local authorities, that such actions are necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety," it added.
The move comes as the FBI reportedly received information that armed protests are being planned in all 50 state capitols, as well as at the US Capitol in Washington, D.C. starting Saturday and running through Jan. 20, the date of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration.
ABC News also reported that an unspecified group is calling for the “storming” of local, state, and federal offices and courts in the event that Trump is removed from office before Biden's inauguration by either impeachment or the 25th Amendment.
House lawmakers introduced earlier Monday a single article of impeachment against the president, alleging he sought to foment insurrection during last week's deadly siege of the Capitol.
