U.S. Capitol police have suspended six officers and are investigating a total of about 30 other people in connection with their actions in response to the deadly January 6 Capitol riot.
Washington, DC, Fox subsidiary, WTTG, first reported the investigations Thursday, with the Office of Professional Responsibility of the Capitol Police written in a statement:Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman has indicated that any member of his department whose conduct does not comply with the department’s rules of conduct will face appropriate discipline. “
CNN also reported on the investigation of the 35 agents, and added that additional ones could occur as investigators examine the posts on social media and allegations that the agents may have been involved in the riot itself.
The Hill has contacted Capitol police for additional information.
The suspensions and investigations come amid increased control over the Capitol police response to the crowd attack, in which several people died amid the chaos, including Capitol police officer Brian Sicknick . Two additional officers who responded to the riots have since died in suicide.
Capitol Police last month, in the days following the siege, confirmed that he was investigating the actions of some of his officers, with Pittman saying in a statement at the time that the department was “Actively reviewing video and other open source materials from some USCP officers and officials that appear to violate Department regulations and policies.”
“Our Office of Professional Responsibility will investigate these behaviors for disciplinary action, even to completion,” Pittman added. “Several USCP agents have already been suspended pending the outcome of their investigations.”
Pittman took over as interim head of the department after the ex Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund announced that he would resign in the midst of legislative pressure the day after the Capitol’s breach.
Rep. Tim Ryan
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Capitol police members last week issued an early vote of confidence at its top leaders during the January 6 riot, including Pittman, two assistant chiefs, three deputy directors, and a captain of the division occupying the Capitol.