Fences will be reinstalled around the Capitol grounds as part of heightened security ahead of President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address, given the potential threat of a truck convoy protest similar to those of Canada, according to a new report.

The fence is expected to be installed next week, ahead of Biden’s speech on March 1 – and amid fears of a crippling rally forming as the anti-vaccine warrant protests in the north, Fox News reported Sunday.

“The United States Capitol Police and the United States Secret Service have worked closely together to plan for the next State of the Union,” the United States Capitol Police said in a press release.

The Great American Patriot Project, a convoy group of American truckers inspired by the weeks-long protests in Canada, have formed protests against COVID-19 restrictions and vaccination mandates in several American cities. The group encouraged truckers to join three convoys bound for Washington, DC, next month.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki played down the impact of potential protests during Biden’s speech, saying earlier this month that “everyone can protest peacefully.”

A barrier topped with barbed wire had stood around the Capitol for months after the Jan. 6, 2021 riots. The 7-foot-tall fence was erected on Jan. 7, 2021.

It was removed in July, to be reinstalled in September ahead of a planned rally to support the rioters. It was then dismantled again the following day.

But he will now be reinstalled again as Capitol police prepare for a possible “Freedom Convoy”-style truck protest in DC for Biden’s speech. Truckers in Canada have been protesting the country’s COVID-19 mandates for weeks, including forming a blockade of the busy Ambassador Bridge border crossing between Windsor, Canada, and Detroit, Michigan, which has disrupted international trade and clashes with locals. police. The bridge was finally reopened last week.

“Law enforcement in the National Capital Region is aware of plans for a series of truck convoys arriving in Washington, D.C. during the State of the Union,” the statement said Friday. the United States Capitol Police in a statement.

“As with any protest, the USCP will facilitate First Amendment lawful activity. The USCP coordinates closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, including the DC Metropolitan Police Department, police United States Parks, United States Secret Service, and other allied agencies, including the DC National Guard.

Adding fencing and monitoring truck protests won’t be the only precautionary measures for Biden’s speech.

During his first State of the Union address, all 535 members of Congress will be able to attend — but will not be allowed to bring guests inside the Capitol and will also be required to wear high-quality masks throughout. of the event, according to guidelines released Thursday by the Legislature’s medical officer.

Attendees will also be required to submit a negative COVID-19 test within 24 hours of the event, according to a note from Dr. Brian Monahan.