Continuous investigation into the Capitol Hill riots has resulted in the suspension of six more officers; an additional 29 cops are being investigated.
After rioters raided the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, the FBI thoroughly searched and identified active participants of the siege. In the early days following the incident, the officer spotted taking selfies with a rioter was suspended without pay. His punishment was followed by the suspension of a cop seen directing people around the building as he donned a MAGA hat.
Last month, Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman noted the Capitol police was “actively reviewing video and other open source materials of some USCP officers and officials that appear to be in violation of department regulations and policies.”
Six officers across the country have since been suspended, while a few others are under investigation for potential violation of the rules. Additional cops will be questioned as part of a general probe. Numbers are expected to rise.
“Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman has directed that any member of her department whose behavior is not in keeping with the department’s rules of conduct will face appropriate discipline,” Department Spokesman John Stolnis told CNN.
While many cops have been implicated in the deadly attack at Capitol Hill, there are a few police that fulfilled their duties of controlling the rioters and keeping the congressmen safe. Those particular cops will be awarded Congressional Gold Medal, according to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
“That day, those men and women risked and gave their lives to save ours, becoming martyrs for our democracy,” she wrote. “The outstanding heroism and patriotism of our heroes … demand our deepest appreciation. … We must never forget the sacrifice of Officer Brian Sicknick, Officer Howard Liebengood, MDP Officer Jeffrey Smith and the more than 50 USCP who sustained serious injuries, or the courage of the heroes such as Officer Eugene Goodman.”