A member of the U.S. Capitol Police stands behind security fencing outside the Capitol Building in Washington, Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, in response to supporters of President Donald Trump who stormed the U.S. Capitol.
Patrick Semansky / AP Photo
Capitol Police officers suspended for actions during Capitol insurrection
One of the suspended officers took a selfie with a rioter, and another donned a Make America Great Again hat and "started directing people around."
By Barbara Campbell/NPR
Patrick Semansky / AP Photo
A member of the U.S. Capitol Police stands behind security fencing outside the Capitol Building in Washington, Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, in response to supporters of President Donald Trump who stormed the U.S. Capitol.
(Washington) — Several Capitol Police officers have been suspended in connection with last week’s fatal riot at the U.S. Capitol by protesters loyal to President Trump, Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman announced Monday evening.
Earlier, Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, had said one of the suspended officers took a selfie with a rioter, and another donned a Make America Great Again hat and “started directing people around.”
Ryan chairs the House subcommittee that is investigating the police response to last Wednesday’s riot. He also said that about 10 to 15 other Capitol Police officers are under investigation.
Julio Cortez / AP Photo
Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden’s victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud.
The suspensions come as investigators dig through photos and videos posted online showing much of what went on during the attack on the Capitol while Congress worked on certifying the Electoral College vote for President-elect Joe Biden.
Pittman said some of the images show “USCP officers and officials that appear to be in violation of Department regulations and policies.”
Rioters trashed congressional offices and in some cases attacked Capitol Police officers. “It is our intention to prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law,” Pittman said.
Two Capitol Police officers who were on duty during the melee died later, one from physical injuries, and the other by suicide.
Pittman, the new acting chief, was appointed after Chief Steven Sund resigned amid complaints that he hadn’t prepared for possible violence out of a planned demonstration by Trump supporters. Sund says he did ask for National Guard help but was denied.
A collection of interviews, photos, and music videos, featuring local musicians who have stopped by the WITF performance studio to share a little discussion and sound. Produced by WITF’s Joe Ulrich.
