Capitol Police confirms investigation into the behavior of some officers during riots

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US Capitol Police have confirmed that it is investigating some of the actions of its officers during the riot at the Capitol last week, after the agency was scrutinized for his response.

Acting Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman has issued a statement said on Monday that the department is “actively reviewing video and other open source material from some USCP officers and officials that appear to violate the department’s regulations and policies.”

“Our Office of Professional Responsibility will investigate this behavior for disciplinary action, up to and including termination,” said Pittman. Several USCP officers have already been suspended pending the outcome of their inquiries.

The acting chief noted that the investigations into last Wednesday’s riots are being conducted in conjunction with “numerous” law enforcement agencies.

“The USCP, along with its law enforcement partners, are working aggressively to identify and arrest those involved in the destruction of properties in the US Capitol Complex,” she wrote. “Our intention is to prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.”

Pittman became the acting chief on Friday after former Capitol police chief Steven Sund was announced he would resign under pressure from the legislature the day after the raid on the Capitol.

Lawmakers and investigators are trying to find out what happened on Jan. 6 prior to and during the security breach at the Capitol that resulted in at least five deaths, including a Capitol Police officer and a woman just reported to by another Capitol police officer. was shot. outside the living room.

In her statement, Pittman said she wanted to “ express my gratitude for the kind words and prayers ” received by the agency in response to the deaths of Brian Sicknick, who died from injuries sustained in the riot, and another officer, Howard Liebengood who also reacted to the riot died off duty over the weekend, according to The Washington Post.

“Officer Brian D. Sicknick and Officer Howard C. Liebengood were highly respected police officers, and both will be greatly missed,” she said.

Capitol Police and other responsive law enforcement agencies have been criticized for what civil rights groups and others have noted that a double standard how the police responded to the riots compared to the Black Lives Matter protests over the summer.

Rep. Tim RyanTimothy (Tim) Ryan Former NYPD Chief Calls For 9/11 Style Committee To Investigate Capitol Riot House Democrat And Investigate Any Inside Police Support Amid Capitol Riot Pelosi Orders Flags At Half Staff For Capitol- officer who died MORE (D-Ohio), who chairs the funding committee that oversees Capitol Police, told reporters Monday two Capitol Police officers had been suspended for their actions during the raid.

One of the suspended officers was an officer shown in the videos taking a selfie with one of the rioters, while the other had worn a “Make America Great Again” hat and gave directions to the crowd.

Another law enforcement official was arrested, but Ryan said he did not know if that person was a member of the Capitol Police.

Ryan indicated that there was no greater cooperation between police and the rioters.

Last week’s events have given rise to concern about the president-elect Joe BidenJoe Biden Outgoing Chief of Capitol Police Accuses House, Senate Security Officials of Obstructing Attempts to Enlist National Guard: WaPo PGA Announces Plans to Move 2022 Championship From Property to Trump Former Democratic Senator: Biden Justice Department May 6 research speakers for incitement MOREThe inauguration is scheduled for next week. Pittman said in her statement that there will be no public access to the Capitol during the inauguration.

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