Top Capitol Security Officials Resign Following Failures During Riot
Just one day after a mob entered the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday, three top Capitol security officials are set to step down from their positions.
“I am respectfully submitting my letter of resignation, effective Sunday, January 16, 2021,” Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund wrote on Thursday. “It has been a pleasure and true honor to serve the United States Capitol Police Board and the Congressional community alongside the women and men of the United States Capitol Police.”
Sund’s resignation comes after multiple members of Congress on both sides of the political aisle questioned the lack of law enforcement at the building on Wednesday and criticized the protocols of capitol security.
Even though several of the agitators reportedly posted videos on social media detailing their plans to storm the Capitol building, Sund claimed in his statement Thursday that the USCP did not anticipate the violence that unfolded.
“The violent attack on the U.S. Capitol was unlike any I have ever experienced in my 30 years in law enforcement here in Washington, D.C.” said Sund. “Maintaining public safety in an open environment – specifically for First Amendment activities – has long been a challenge. The USCP had a robust plan established to address anticipated First Amendment activities. But make no mistake – these mass riots were not First Amendment activities; they were criminal riotous behavior … The USCP is conducting a thorough review of this incident, security planning and policies and procedures.”