WASHINGTON — The National Mall is home to historical landmarks such as the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. On Thursday morning, visitors noticed a new statue erected just across the street from the U.S. Capitol: a recreation of Nancy Pelosi's desk with human feces on top.
The statue appears to have been made in remembrance of the Capitol Riot on Jan. 6, 2021.
According to a permit filed with the United State's Park Service, the statue is not only allowed to be there but will remain there for the next week.
A placard on the front of the statue not only highlights the actions people took as they broke into the Capitol, it also mentioned former President Donald Trump’s reaction when he described them as “unbelievable patriots.”
Jeff Zeeman was one of the many people to walk past the statue Thursday, he said seeing it brought him back to that day.
“It was hours and hours, and the President of the United States did nothing to intervene and stop it in any way,” recalled Zeeman. “On the contrary, he was cheerleading and encouraging these people.”
Others say the statue could be a warning of what’s to come.
“I think this could happen again, absolutely,” said Stasha Surdyke. “I’m very afraid that it will. I seriously believe it will.”
The Department of Homeland Security has declared the upcoming electoral vote certification as a "National Special Security Event". D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser made the request to the agency last month. This means significant federal, state, and local resources will be brought together to ensure the Capitol is secure.