Fortress-Like Fence in Place Around Arizona’s Capitol Following Riot

PHOENIX, Ariz.—A steel fence and barbed wire will remain at Arizona’s Capitol complex until officials decide it’s safe to remove them in the aftermath of an angry mob nearly breaching the state Senate building on June 24.

Law enforcement fired tear gas into the crowd of pro-abortion protesters who damaged the Senate building’s front entrance and wrote graffiti on historical monuments at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza.

State senators convened in the night session had to be evacuated under heavily armed guard.

A portion of 17th Avenue in front of Arizona’s state capitol complex in Phoenix was closed following a June 24 protest that damaged state property. (Allan Stein/The Epoch Times)

On June 25, Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) officials erected a security barrier surrounding the complex and blocked off a portion of 17th Avenue.

These security measures will remain as DPS continues monitoring the threat level following the Supreme Court’s June 24 decision overturning Roe v. Wade.

“The public can enter the [complex], but they have to make an appointment,” said Kim Quintero, director of communications for Arizona Senate Republicans majority staff.

“Right now, we don’t have an end time when it will [come] down—no end date,” Quintero told The Epoch Times.

Rioters damaged historical monuments with graffiti. (Allan Stein/The Epoch Times)

However, a state Capitol source told The Epoch Times that the DPS advised that the barrier would remain “at least” another week.

The barrier consists of layers of linked steel fence, coiled razor wire, and “no trespassing” signs to keep unauthorized people out.

“It’s not the most appealing thing to look at for the time being. It’s not the most aesthetically pleasing,” Quintero said.

The Arizona Department of Administration (ADA) is responsible for the security barrier, which cost $35,000 to install and $3,500 monthly in rental

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