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The Capitol Police failed our nation on January 6, 2021.
I’m writing to discuss a few important things on my mind.
I live just north of DC. Far enough out that I'm told regularly that I'm not a DC-er, but close enough that I have that conversation regularly.
I’ve seen the Capitol Police’s ability to close down roads. I’ve experienced the levels of security that it takes to enter public buildings. I’ve seen first hand how the Capitol Police has handled peaceful protests in public areas.
What I saw yesterday was a disgrace. There was no due diligence to protect historic buildings or the people who work there. The behavior of the police assisted in the degradation of national security and the democratic process.
1. The Difference in Response
It is obvious that this event was handled in a manner different from peaceful protests in the past.
There is an idea that officers need more escalation training, and it’s not their fault when they bring violence into a peaceful situation. This situation proves those claims false. This proves that the officers could have met peaceful protestors with peaceful tactics. They simply chose not to.
2. Direct Cooperation of Police Officers
The same officers who violently assaulted protestors in the past are now taking selfies with criminals. They are opening barricades for a mob to break into the Capitol while Congress is in session.
These people were armed, not just with weapons but with large zip ties presumably to take hostages. They planted bombs across the city.
3. We’re in the middle of a pandemic.
A mob of maskless individuals was allowed to invade buildings where our top officials work.
Mask regulations were not enforced. This lack of responsibility will cause deaths by spreading the virus among people from across the nation.
If this was a departmental decision then those who made the decision need to be held responsible. If it was not a directive given to officers, then the officers who stood by, need to be held personally responsible.
4. Disgraceful Cyber Security Breach
It is disgraceful how the Capitol Police allowed possibly the largest American national security breach in history. A USB with an easily accessed virus could contaminate classified networks. It’s done in minutes if the computer is a trusted device on a network. That is every computer, server, and network that the Capitol Building has access to.
5. Call to investigate, arrest, and charge individuals involved with yesterday’s events.
I’m aware that the US Capitol Police Chief has submitted his resignation. While this is needed, it is not enough. He cannot remain the scapegoat. There were obvious failures up and down the chain of command. Those who made the orders and the officers who showed no attempt to control the situation must be held accountable.
The world is watching now. Do better.
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