An independent commission is being set up to investigate the US Capitol riot, Nancy Pelosi says

The commission would be modelled on a similar one convened after the 11 September, 2001 attack on New York and the Pentagon, Ms Pelosi said in a letter to politicians.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Source: Getty Images

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said politicians will establish an outside, independent commission to review the “facts and causes” related to the deadly 6 January attack on the Capitol by supporters of then-President Donald Trump.

Ms Pelosi said in a letter to politicians on Monday (local time) that the commission would be modelled on a similar one convened after the 11 September, 2001 attack on New York and the Pentagon.

Ms Pelosi said the panel will also look at the “facts and causes relating to the preparedness and response of the United States Capitol Police and other federal, state, and local law enforcement".

She has tasked retired US Army Lieutenant General Russel Honoré with assessing security needs of the Capitol in the aftermath of the attack. Based on his interim findings, she said Congress must allocate additional funds “to provide for the safety of members and the security of the Capitol". 

“It is clear from his findings and from the impeachment trial that we must get to the truth of how this happened," Ms Pelosi said. 

More than a month after the attack that left five dead as pro-Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol and sought to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden’s victory as president, the Capitol complex remains guarded by more than 5,000 National Guard troops and ringed with eight-foot fences rimmed with razor wire.

The troops are expected to remain through mid-March.

Supporters of former Preisdent Donald Trump climbing the west wall of the US Capitol in Washington during the 6 January riot. Source: AP

Last month, the US Capitol Police head urged politicians to add permanent fencing and back-up security, noting a 2006 security assessment recommended installation of a permanent perimeter fence around the Capitol. 

Many politicians and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser have urged congressional leaders not to adopt permanent fencing or permanent military security.

More than 200 people have been charged with federal crimes in the bloody assault on Congress, which led to Mr Trump’s impeachment trial on a charge of inciting insurrection.

Mr Trump was acquitted on Saturday on a vote of 57-43, as seven Republican senators joined Democrats in favour of conviction, though short of the required majority.