Two Capitol Police officers were suspended and more than a dozen others are under investigation for their actions in last week’s Capitol riot, CNN reports.
Rep. Tim Ryan told reporters on Monday that an officer who posed for a selfie with the rioters and another who wore a “Make America Great Again” hat and directed people around the building were suspended.
At least 10 to 15 other officers are under investigation, he said.
A House aide separately said that as many as 17 officers are under investigation as part of eight different probes into the Capitol Police actions during the riot.
Capitol Police acting Chief Yogananda Pittman said Monday that the department "has been actively reviewing video and other open source materials of some USCP officers and officials that appear to be in violation of Department regulations and policies. Our Office of Professional Responsibility will investigate these behaviors for disciplinary action, up to, and including, termination. Several USCP officers have already been suspended pending the outcome of their investigations."
Lawmakers raise questions:
Rep. Jim Clyburn has openly questioned whether some Capitol Police officers were in league with the rioters, noting that it was suspicious that the mob was able to find his unmarked office but did not enter the one that bore his name.
"A number of social media have indicated concerns about individual officers who, you know, if you look at the video, may have taken selfies with these seditionists or even let them in," Rep. Zoe Lofgren said Monday. "We need to thoroughly investigate that, but I also know there were many officers who responded with tremendous bravery. Many officers were injured protecting the Capitol and we do thank them for their patriotism in protecting this temple of democracy."
Cops around the country under investigation:
At least seven officers in five police departments around the country are under investigation for their role in Wednesday’s events.
The officers were from states like New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington state, and Texas.
The FBI has also contacted some departments in their investigation of the riot.
