US Capitol Police are stuck in a serious crisis following the recent attacks on the legislature: first the attack by a mob on Jan. 6 and then last Friday, when a person rammed their vehicle into a protective barrier.
One of the guards was killed in the attack on Friday and another was injured in the events in January – When a mob of supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the convention grounds, one security guard was killed, while another committed suicide shortly after.
Numerous officers are considering early retirement, some commanders have resigned and those who have stayed have come under severe criticism. The events of the past four months could change not only the functioning of the police force, but also the rule that the historic legislative complex must remain open to the public.
The head of the Capitol Police union revealed that many agents are “heartbroken” after the death of Officer Billy Evans in Friday’s attack. Evans was a member of the protective force 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 despite a crisis in our minds and a shrinking number of ranks looming above us,” he said, stating that the guards are forced to work “an enormous amount” of overtime.
Dozens of guards were injured in the January 6 events and others have been suspended while the investigation into what happened continues, including the incident where one of the officers shot and killed a 35-year-old woman who tried to get to the force through a window. As a result, the ranks of the Capitol Police have been reduced: there are more than 200 empty places, which is 10% of the total.
In the months since the attack 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 later during Trump’s impeachment, accused of instigating the uprising.
“This opens the wound and creates more uncertainty and concern about that security body and what is going on inside,” said Tim Ryan, Democratic representative and head of a committee that decides on funding for the Capitol Police.
“I also believe 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 continuing to work immediately to ensure safety. during the inauguration ceremony. , ”he added.