As snowstorm looms, DC's delegate to Congress seeks OK for kids to go sledding outside Capitol

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Washington, D.C.’s non-voting delegate to Congress pleaded with Capitol Police on Saturday, asking the department to loosen security measures as the nation’s capital braces for what could be one of the biggest snowstorms in years.

"The west side of the Capitol is well known as perhaps the best place for sledding in D.C.’s high-density urban environment," Eleanor Holmes Norton said in a statement to the federal law enforcement agency.

Norton reminded the Capitol Police that she has a provision in the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill that allows her to direct Capitol sledding at her discretion.

The U.S. Capitol has been under tightened security measures since the Jan. 6 attack on the building by rioters that resulted in at least five deaths, including one police officer. Two other police officers later took their own lives.

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Security officials called in 25,000 National Guard troops to be stationed at the Capitol during President Biden’s inauguration, and thousands of troops have remained behind in the weeks following.

But Norton attempted to appeal to the Capitol Police, requesting that children, who have had "endured an extremely challenging year" with not only the coronavirus, but the recent riot that has "militarized" their neighborhood, be allowed to utilize the Capitol grounds.  

"This could be the only snowstorm D.C. gets this winter, and may be one of the best for sledding in years," Norton said. "Children and their parents should be able to enjoy sledding on one of the best hills in the city."

Roughly 7,000 National Guard troops have remained at the Capitol as security officials have continued concerns about potential civil unrest when the Senate impeachment trial of President Trump starts in February.

But Norton suggested they could maintain secure measures by allowing only children, and adults who accompany them, to enter the ground on the west side of the Capitol.

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"Sledding is a simple, childhood thrill. It is the least we can allow for our resilient children this winter season," Norton said Saturday.

But a National Guard spokesman told Fox News on Saturday night that Norton's request was being denied.

"Unfortunately, due to the current security posture, COVID-19 restrictions, and the deconstruction of the Inaugural platform, we cannot permit sledding on the Capitol Complex at this time."

"We, however, look forward to welcoming sledders back in the future,"  the spokesman added.

Fox News' Mike Emanuel contributed to this report.