Five Die in Capitol Insurrection, Top Security Officials Resign
As Americans watched on January 6, 2021, thousands of supporters for President Trump’s re-election campaign marched to the Capitol building in an effort to prevent Congress from certifying the Electoral College votes of the 2020 general election. The march erupted into violence as individuals stormed the Capitol, overwhelming security on the scene. Vice President Mike Pence and members of Congress were forced to evacuate as the Capitol was breached by rioters and put on lockdown.
So far, the Army has announced they have opened an investigation into 25 cases of domestic terrorism following the incident at the Capitol. According to a Department of Justice press release, as of Friday, January 8, thirteen individuals have been charged in federal court with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; or knowingly, with intent to impede government business or official functions, engaging in disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds; and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.
During the mayhem, shots were fired in the Capitol and a 35-year-old Air Force Veteran, Ashli Babbit, was hit in the neck by Capitol Police and later died of her injuries. She is one of five people who passed away following the events.
Three other Trump supporters also died during the riots including Benjamin Phillips, 50, who died of a stroke, Kevin Greeson, 55, who died of an apparent heart attack, and Rosanne Boyland, 34, who was crushed to death during the chaos. Over 50 Capitol Police officers were injured during the insurrection on the Capitol.
A Capitol Police officer, Brian Sicknick, was struck in the head with a fire extinguisher engaging in a physical altercation with rioters. He later succumbed to his injuries and was taken off of life support the next night.
Larry Cosme, National President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), issued the following statement regarding the death of Officer Sicknick and said, “Officer Sicknick and his brothers and sisters in the U.S. Capitol Police were the thin blue line protecting not just our elected officials from violent insurrectionists, but the very heart of American democracy. Political violence in this country in any form is deplorable. We support a full and vigorous investigation and prosecution of all involved in carrying out this heinous assault.”
A second Capitol Police officer, Howard “Howie” Liebengood, 51, died of an apparent suicide several days later. While he was a responder on the scene of the events last Wednesday, his death has been ruled an off-duty death by U.S. Capitol Police.
In light of the massive security breach on the Capitol, U.S. Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund resigned from his position, effective January 16, 2021. U.S. Capitol Police are being scrutinized due to an apparent lack of preparedness.
Regarding the lack of preparedness, FLEOA President Cosme said, “The security failures we saw demand accountability on all levels. Although the resignation of high level Capitol Police leadership is a start, it isn’t enough. For too long, the US Capitol Police has suffered, as well as other federal law enforcement agencies, from a lack of leadership at their highest levels.”
Two other top security officials resigned following the insurrection on the Capitol. Michael C. Stenger, the Senate sergeant-at-arms, resigned, as did Paul D. Irving, the House sergeant-at arms. Jennifer Hemingway, the deputy sergeant-at-arms, will serve as acting sergeant-at-arms until those positions are filled.
Federal employee associations across government expressed concern regarding the events. Executive Director of the Professional Managers Association (PMA), Chad Hooper, said of the Capitol riot, “Our nation has a long history of peaceful transitions of power. PMA is deeply saddened by the violent actions which took place yesterday aimed at undermining our democracy and destroying that legacy of peace”
Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) spoke on the violence and said, “The ultimate blame for yesterday lies with the unhinged criminals who broke down doors, trampled our nation’s flag, fought with law enforcement, and tried to disrupt our democracy, and with those who incited them.”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), whose office was infiltrated during the attack on the Capitol said, “If the vice president and the Cabinet do not act, the Congress may be prepared to move forward with impeachment. That is the overwhelming sentiment of my caucus and the American people.”
