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WASHINGTON – Capitol Police investigators have recommended disciplinary action against six officers for their actions during the Jan.6 riot on Capitol Hill, when Trump supporters stormed the building in an attempt to prevent the certification of President Biden’s victory.
Three officers were singled out for improper conduct, one officer for failing to follow directions, one officer for inappropriate remarks and one officer for improper dissemination of information, Capitol Police said in a statement on Saturday.
None of the agents, or details of the recommended sanctions, have been identified. No criminal charges will be filed, after the US attorney’s office has not found sufficient evidence to do so.
The internal investigation, which was conducted by the agency’s Professional Accountability Office, covered 38 investigations, although investigators did not identify 12 officers involved in the cases. An investigation into an unidentified official who was “accused of unsatisfactory performance and improper conduct” remains open, the statement said.
Security breaches resulting from the January 6 breach have brought under scrutiny the secret agency, which is tasked with protecting the Capitol complex. Constable Brian D. Sicknick died in hospital after fending off the crowds, and at least 73 officers were injured that day after being assaulted with flag poles, fire extinguishers and hockey sticks, injuries ranging from bruises to concussions and burns.
Even as the majority of police forces grapple with the trauma of the attack, videos widely posted on social media appeared to show some officers treating rioters with sympathy or doing little to prevent them from entering the compound.
After the riot, Capitol Police said they would open an investigation, with at least six officers suspended with pay at the time. The agency only released the results of its internal investigation on Saturday after sharing details with the Justice Department, which in turn informed lawyers representing clients charged in connection with the riot.
In their statement, Capitol Police said they were “committed to being accountable when officers fail to meet the standards governed by USCP policies and the expectations of the Congressional community” and that the six violations “Should not diminish the heroic efforts” of most of the officers who defended the building.
Last month, agency executives said they cleared Lt. Michael Byrd, who killed a rioter in the attack, of any wrongdoing after investigators found he had acted legally and that he had potentially saved lawmakers, assistants, and others in the House chamber from danger or death.
J. Thomas Manger, a seasoned Washington-area police chief, took over the department in July after then-Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund resigned, along with Senate Sergeants-at-Arms and from the room. The police union also cast a vote of no confidence in the agency’s management.
Luke broadwater contributed reports.
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