Two Capitol Police Suspended for Participating in January 6th Riots

Rep. Tim Ryan, who is chair of the House Appropriations subcommittee handling the investigation into the police response to the Capitol riots last Wednesday, has announced the suspension of two Capitol Police officers for their alleged roles in the insurrection. Ryan confirmed that there are approximately 10 to 15 Capitol Police officers under investigation for their behavior during the riot, but he did not have specific details.

One of the officers was the ‘selfie’ officer, who was seen in several videos taking a selfie with one of the rioters. The other officer put a MAGA hat on that started directing some people around.

Democratic members of the House have also raised questions about potential sympathies for the attackers among the ranks of US Capitol Police. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, a South Carolina Democrat, is among those who have questions about whether some Capitol Police officers aided the protesters and were complicit in Wednesday’s insurrection. Clyburn, for instance, said it was fishy that the rioters knew the location of lawmakers’ offices.

Rep. Ryan held a virtual press conference to discuss the details which can be viewed in full here.

Ryan tells reporters @ virtual briefing that a Capitol Police officer has been arrested since the Jan 6 attack. Said he told interim chief: "You need to make sure the press understands what’s going on here because it's important the American people know you’re cleaning house.”

— Alexi McCammond (@alexi) January 11, 2021

A House aide separately said there are as many as 17 officers under investigation as part of eight investigations into the insurrection at the Capitol.

So this happened: Two U.S. Capitol Police officers were reportedly suspended and at least 10 more are under investigation over last week’s riot.https://t.co/cu1WOn78cD

— Caroline Orr Bueno, Ph.D. (@RVAwonk) January 12, 2021

The federal investigative interest is a priority and a part of the broader investigation into the mob at the Capitol, sources said. The investigation into insurrectionist ties to law enforcement is a priority because the skills that officers are trained to use during their duties could be useful to an extremist mob, authorities say. This includes clearing rooms, taking custody of people, securing areas, and handling firearms.