Capitol Police recommend disciplinary action for six officers

The U.S. Capitol Police recommended disciplinary action for six officers following an internal investigation into the behavior of some members of the force who responded to the Jan. 6 attack. 

In a statement released Saturday, the Capitol Police said the department’s office of professional responsibility opened 38 internal investigations related to the misconduct probe. Of those investigations, six cases sustained violations and were recommended for disciplinary action.  

The Justice Department did not find sufficient evidence that any of the officers committed a crime, according to the release.  

“The six sustained cases should not diminish the heroic efforts of the United States Capitol Police officers,” the Capitol Police said. “On January 6, the bravery and courage exhibited by the vast majority of our employees was inspiring.”

The Capitol Police had more than 1,200 personnel on duty during the attack, when hundreds of supporters of former President Trump marched on the Capitol, breached security and damaged property in an effort to halt the 2020 presidential election certification.  

Members of the Capitol Police recalled being chased and beaten by rioters following the events that day. 

Days after the attack, the agency said it was opening an investigation into some officers and officials after source material appeared to show members of the force violating the department’s regulations and policies.

The Capitol Police said Saturday that officers were able to be identified in only 26 of the 38 cases. No wrongdoing was found in 20 of the cases, but violations were sustained in six.

Three of the violations sustained were for “conduct unbecoming,” the agency said. One case involved a failure to comply with directives, one involved improper remarks, and the last involved “improper dissemination of information.”

In another case, an official is accused of unsatisfactory performance and conduct unbecoming, but the Capitol Police said in the release that the case is still pending.

About a month after the events of Jan. 6, the Capitol Police suspended six officers over their actions in responding to the riots. It was unclear if the six “cases” mentioned Saturday by the Capitol Police were related to the suspensions.

More than 570 people have been charged in connection with the attack that led to five deaths.

One Capitol Police officer, Brian Sicknick, died after being bludgeoned with a fire extinguisher while attempting to contain the mob. Four other officers — one Capitol Police officer and three D.C. Metropolitan Police officers — died by suicide following the attack.

The Hill has reached out to Capitol Police for further information.