Capitol Police: Police officer who violated rules during congressional riot suspended

Following the Jan. 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol, several Capitol Police officers have been suspended for violations during the riots, Capitol Police (USCP) Chief Yogananda Pittman announced in a statement on Monday, Jan. 11.

Pittman was appointed acting chief just after the former head of the Capitol Police resigned. She confirmed that the Capitol Police Department has suspended several U.S. Capitol Police officers after reviewing video and other information that was made public.

Our investigation into the Jan. 6 riot is continuing in cooperation with numerous law enforcement agencies,” Pittman said. the USCP, along with its law enforcement partners, is actively working to identify and arrest those involved in the destruction of Capitol property. We intend to prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.”

Earlier, Rep. Tim Ryan (R-WI), who chairs the House Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee, announced at a press conference that two Capitol Police officers had been suspended following the Capitol breach.

Ryan said the suspended officers only shouted the names of the vice president and speaker during the disturbance, but otherwise did not do anything to target other lawmakers. Between 10 and 15 investigations into police misconduct in the incident are currently underway.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser called on the Department of Homeland Security to increase security measures ahead of President-elect Biden’s Jan. 20 inauguration. She also urged Americans to avoid entering the city during the inauguration.

The National Guard confirmed on Jan. 11 that they have been authorized to deploy up to 15,000 troops around Washington, D.C., ahead of Inauguration Day.

In a statement, Gen. Daniel Hokanson said, “Right now, we have approximately 6,200 National Guard soldiers and airmen from six states and the District of Columbia on the ground in the National Capital Region supporting local police on duty.”