VCU policing expert details what went wrong at U.S. Capitol and last updated 2021-01-08 06:39:04-05 RICHMOND, Va. â Politicians and law enforcement experts have criticized the police response as rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. The insurgent mob of President Donald Trump supporters prompted the Capitol to lock down and delayed Congress from confirming President-elect Joe Bidenâs Electoral College victory. Dr. William Pelfrey, a professor of criminal justice and policing at VCU's Wilder School, watched on television as the demonstrators smashed and pushed their way inside. âThe Capitol Police didnât fulfill one of their primary missions. Iâm not sure why â if they were ill-prepared or simply didnât have enough resources on hand,â Pelfrey explained. âThe Senate and House were in one room together. That joint session should illicit extra protection, but the Capitol Police seemed like they were not ready for the numbers of people who arrived.â