Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Politics and Government News
Barbara Campbell, NPR

Two Capitol Police officers suspended for actions during rioters' attack

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Members of the Capitol Police are under investigation for their actions as rioters attacked the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday. An unspecified number of officers have been suspended.
Members of the Capitol Police are under investigation for their actions as rioters attacked the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday. An unspecified number of officers have been suspended.
Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images

Updated: 10:21 p.m.

Several Capitol Police officers have been suspended in connection with last week's fatal riot at the U.S. Capitol by protesters loyal to President Trump, Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman announced Monday evening.

Earlier, Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, had said one of the suspended officers took a selfie with a rioter, and another donned a Make America Great Again hat and "started directing people around."

Ryan chairs the House subcommittee that is investigating the police response to last Wednesday's riot. He also said that about 10 to 15 other Capitol Police officers are under investigation.

The suspensions come as investigators dig through photos and videos posted online showing much of what went on during the attack on the Capitol while Congress worked on certifying the Electoral College vote for President-elect Joe Biden.

Pittman said some of the images show "USCP officers and officials that appear to be in violation of Department regulations and policies."

Rioters trashed congressional offices and in some cases attacked Capitol Police officers. "It is our intention to prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law," Pittman said.

Two Capitol Police officers who were on duty during the melee died later, one from physical injuries, and the other by suicide.

Pittman, the new acting chief, was appointed after Chief Steven Sund resigned amid complaints that he hadn't prepared for possible violence out of a planned demonstration by Trump supporters. Sund says he did ask for National Guard help but was denied.

Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.