Police in the US Capitol are in a serious crisis following the recent attacks on the legislature: first the assault of a mob on January 6 and then last Friday, when an individual attacked his vehicle against a protective barrier.
One of the guards died in Friday’s assault and another was injured while in the events of January -when a mob of supporters of then-President Donald Trump burst into Congress grounds- one guard died while another committed suicide shortly afterwards.
Lots of agents are considering retiring early, some commanders have resigned and those who have remained have been the subject of harsh criticism. The events of the last four months could alter not only the functioning of this police force but also the rule that the historic legislative precinct must remain open to the public.
The Capitol Police Union director revealed that many officers are “distressed” after the death of Officer Billy Evans in Friday’s attack. Evans had been a member of the protective body for 18 years.
Hundreds of officers are considering retiring or looking for work elsewhere, union director Gus Papathanasiou said in a statement.
“They continue to work even though a crisis of spirits and a reduction in the ranks hover over us,” he stated, stating that the guards are being forced to work “a massive amount” of overtime.
Dozens of guards were injured in the events of January 6 and others have been suspended while the investigation into the facts continues, including the incident in which one of the officers shot dead a 35-year-old woman who tried to to enter by force through a window. As a result, the ranks of the Capitol Police have shrunk: there are more than 200 vacancies, or 10% of the total.
In the months since the assault on the legislative palace, many officers have had to work 12 hours straight or even longer. They protected the building during President Joe Biden’s inauguration ceremony and then during the political trial of Trump, accused of inciting insurrection.
“This opens up the wound and causes more uncertainty and concern about this security body and what is going on inside it,” said Tim Ryan, a Democratic representative and head of a commission that decides Capitol Police funding.
“I also believe that this has become a very personal issue for many of us who love and respect the Capitol Police, even today more than before, for what they did on January 6 and for immediately continuing to work. to ensure security at the inauguration ceremony, “he added.