After deadly siege, lawmakers ask why police so outnumbered
Mob attack showcases Capitol security failures By Associated Press | January 9, 2021 at 9:45 AM CST - Updated January 9 at 5:03 PM
WASHINGTON (AP) The police were badly outnumbered.
Only a few dozen guarded the West front of the Capitol when they were rushed by thousands of rioters bent on breaking into the building. Armed with metal pipes, pepper spray and other weapons, the mob pushed past the thin police line. One rioter hurled a fire extinguisher at an officer, according to video widely circulated on YouTube.
“They’re getting into the Capitol tonight! They’re getting in,” the man filming shouts in delight.
Adam Johnson, 36, was arrested by federal marshals in Florida on Friday and is currently being held at the Pinellas County Jail, according to arrest records.
A search of social media sources led law enforcement to Johnson, who is seen in a widely circulated photo inside the Capitol carrying a lectern belonging to the House Speaker.