2 Capitol Police Officers Suspended For Alleged Roles in Pro-Trump Riot at US Capitol

According to CNN, two United States Capitol Police officers have been suspended and at least 10 others are under investigation, for their alleged roles in last week’s Pro-Trump riot that descended on the U.S. Capitol.

Congressman Tim Ryan (D-OH) gave an update on his Twitter account:

As chair of the House Appropriations subcommittee that oversees the Capitol Police, I want to offer a few updates on the investigation taking place into Capitol Police and the violent insurrection that took place on Wednesday at our nation’s Capitol.

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— Congressman Tim Ryan (@RepTimRyan) January 9, 2021

First and foremost, I am very upset and heartbroken over the murder of Officer Sicknick who passed away after an altercation with violent protesters on Weds. It’s become increasingly clear that rank &file members of the Cap Police were lead into an incredibly dangerous situation.

— Congressman Tim Ryan (@RepTimRyan) January 9, 2021

The vast majority of Capitol Police officers bravely defended our nation’s Capitol and put their lives on the line to protect Members of Congress and our historic Capitol building.

— Congressman Tim Ryan (@RepTimRyan) January 9, 2021

Meanwhile, there was an epic failure of intelligence/ preparation among leadership in the department. The Capitol Police Chief & House Sergeant at Arms have resigned, an important step to fully uncover the failures of this event & reestablish trust in the security on Cap. Hill.

— Congressman Tim Ryan (@RepTimRyan) January 9, 2021

As for disturbing videos we’ve all seen that seem to show some officers letting rioters behind barricades & taking selfies with them: I can assure you these videos are being thoroughly investigated & there will be consequences for any deviations from proper training & protocols.

— Congressman Tim Ryan (@RepTimRyan) January 9, 2021

Additionally, for the entire U.S. Congress, including key figures in the line of succession, to be left so vulnerable to violent insurrectionists is a failure. Plain and simple. It’s unacceptable, and can never be allowed to happen again.

— Congressman Tim Ryan (@RepTimRyan) January 9, 2021

As for the perpetrators: we are working closely with the @FBI and U.S. Attorney offices around the country to identify those who participated, and ensure they are brought to justice.

— Congressman Tim Ryan (@RepTimRyan) January 9, 2021

United States Capitol acting chief of police Yogananda D. Pittman also released a statement:

“The Department also has been actively reviewing video and other open-source materials of some USCP officers and officials that appear to be in violation of Department regulations and policies. Our Office of Professional Responsibility will investigate these behaviors for disciplinary action, up to, and including termination. Several USCP officers have already been suspended pending the outcome of their investigations.

“The investigation of the January 6 riot is continuing in collaboration with numerous law enforcement agencies and the USCP, along with its law enforcement partners, are aggressively working to identify and arrest those involved in the destruction of property at the U.S. Capitol Complex. It is our intention to prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.”