Who was the Capitol Police Chief on January 6?
The events of January 6, 2021, will be etched in the memories of Americans for a long time. On that day, a violent mob of Trump supporters stormed the United States Capitol, attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The Capitol Police, responsible for protecting the Capitol building and its occupants, were severely tested that day. But who was the chief of the Capitol Police at the time of the attack?
The Background
The Capitol Police, also known as the United States Capitol Police (USCP), is a federal law enforcement agency responsible for protecting the United States Capitol Complex, which includes the Capitol building, the Supreme Court, and the Library of Congress. The agency has a long history, dating back to 1828.
The Chief on January 6
The Chief of the Capitol Police on January 6, 2021, was Steven A. Sund. Sund was a 29-year veteran of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia (MPDC) before joining the Capitol Police in 2017. He was appointed as the Chief of the Capitol Police by the Capitol Police Board, a panel consisting of the Speaker of the House, the Senate Majority Leader, and the Architect of the Capitol.
Sund’s Leadership
Under Sund’s leadership, the Capitol Police had implemented various security measures to prepare for the January 6 protests. These measures included increasing the number of officers on duty, deploying riot gear, and setting up barriers around the Capitol building. However, despite these preparations, the police were severely outnumbered and outmatched by the violent mob.
The Attack
On January 6, a large crowd of Trump supporters, many of whom were armed and wearing body armor, descended upon the Capitol building. The protesters, fueled by misinformation and conspiracy theories, were determined to stop the certification of President-elect Joe Biden’s victory. As the crowd surged towards the Capitol, the Capitol Police were quickly overwhelmed.
The Aftermath
The attack on the Capitol left five people dead, including a police officer, and over 140 officers injured. The damage to the Capitol building and its surroundings was extensive, with broken windows, shattered doors, and destroyed property. The incident was widely condemned by politicians from both parties, and an investigation was launched to determine the extent of the police response and identify those responsible for the violence.
Sund’s Legacy
Despite the challenges he faced on January 6, Steven A. Sund was widely praised for his leadership and bravery during the attack. He was hailed as a hero by many, and his actions that day helped to minimize the damage and prevent further harm to the public and the police.
Table: Key Facts about Steven A. Sund
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Steven A. Sund |
| Appointed | Chief of the Capitol Police in 2017 |
| Background | 29-year veteran of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia (MPDC) |
| Leadership | Implemented security measures for January 6 protests, but was overwhelmed by the attack |
| Legacy | Praised for his leadership and bravery during the attack |
Conclusion
The events of January 6, 2021, will be remembered for a long time as a dark day in American history. The attack on the Capitol was a sobering reminder of the fragility of democracy and the importance of protecting our institutions. Steven A. Sund, the Chief of the Capitol Police at the time of the attack, was a key figure in the response to the violence and is remembered for his bravery and leadership.
