Capitol staff architect Brett Blanton said glass and doors had been broken, graffiti had been sprayed on various surfaces, and some statues and frescoes needed cleaning
The cost of repairs and other needs related to the Jan. 6 invasion of the Capitol in Washington will exceed $30 million, Capitol staff architect Brett Blanton told U.S. lawmakers Wednesday.
Blanton’s office is responsible for carrying out the various maintenance and operations of the said building complex. The specialist took part in a hearing before the US House Appropriations Committee. He sent a written statement to congressmen specifying that $30 million had already been earmarked for the Capitol aftermath.
The specialist noted that glass and doors were broken as a result of the incident, and graffiti was sprayed on various surfaces. Some statues and frescoes have been damaged or need to be cleaned.
Blanton added that the total cost is likely to “be significant and will exceed” the amount previously approved. The costs include the cost of erecting and maintaining fences in downtown Washington, D.C., he said. Blanton is also asking lawmakers for funds to conduct an expert review. It should decide what additional measures should be taken to prevent further incursions into the US Congress building.
On 6 January, supporters of Republican Donald Trump, the US president at the time, gathered in Washington for a demonstration of thousands in support of him. Later, they stormed into Congress in an attempt to prevent the results of the presidential election held in the country on 3 November last year, which was won by Democrat Joe Biden.
The Democrats initiated impeachment proceedings against Trump over the incident. There was only one charge in the House-approved resolution: sedition. In the end, the US Senate acquitted Trump.