Almost three dozen U.S. Capitol Police officers are under investigation for their conduct during last month’s violent attack on the federal complex they are primarily assigned to protect.
Of the 35 officers involved in the Capitol Police’s ongoing internal inquiry, led by the law enforcement agency’s Office of Professional Responsibility, six were suspended with pay on Thursday afternoon, according to a spokesperson who shared the update with Fox 5 DC’s Lindsay Watts.
“Our Office of Professional Responsibility is investigating the actions of 35 police officers from that day. We currently have suspended six of those officers with pay,” the agency’s statement read. “Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman has directed that any member of her department whose behavior is not in keeping with the Department’s Rules of Conduct will face appropriate discipline.”
JUST IN:
–@CapitolPolice tell me 35 officers are under investigation for actions on Jan. 6.
-6 are suspended w/ pay
Acting Chief Pittman has directed any member whose behavior is not in keeping with the Department’s Rules of Conduct will face appropriate discipline. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/xqbF8B3eNx
— Lindsay Watts (@LindsayAWatts) February 18, 2021
News of the internal investigation’s progress comes more than a month after thousands of former President Donald Trump‘s supporters stormed the Capitol on January 6. Those who participated in the siege did so to overturn results of the November election, which Trump and his proponents had contested for months after polls closed. Five people, including one Capitol Police officer, died as a result of the riot, while dozens of others suffered injuries.
Newsweek contacted the Capitol Police for confirmation and further comment but did not hear back before publication.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Two Capitol Police officers patrol the federal building’s grounds following the conclusion of former President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial on February 13. Brandon Bell/Getty
