Two US Capitol police officers suspended over Trump riot, says lawmaker
Officer who took selfie with rioter is one of those being investigated by force
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Two US Capitol police officers have been suspended over the Trump riot, says a lawmaker.
One of those who action has been taken against is the officer who was caught on video posing for a selfie picture with a rioter as they stormed the Capitol Building.
And the other is an officer who put on a MAGA hat and directed rioters around the building, according to Ohio congressman Tim Ryan, who sits on the committee that funds the Capitol police.
Mr Ryan told reporters that he has been told that there are as now as many as 15 investigations being made into Capitol police officers following the riots, but did not give specific details.
“I know that there were two people that were suspended,” Ryan said during a press call.
“One was the selfie officer and another was an officer that put a MAGA hat on that started directing some people around."
The Democrat added that force’s interim chief was “taking aggressive action within the department” to uncover if officers gave the rioters any help or coordination.
The footage of the officer posing for a selfie, was originally posted to twitter by journalist Timothy Burke.
The clip appeared to show an officer of the United States Capitol Police, wearing a high visibility vest and badge, posing for a photo with man who had stormed the building.
The pair, surrounded by Trump supporters wearing red Trump hats and carrying flags, are seen leaning in for the picture before nodding at each other after it was apparently been taken.
Five people, including Capitol police officer Brian Sicknick, were killed in the riot which lead to the resignation of the force’s chief.
An officer who was on duty during the violence died by suicide over the weekend, his family announced.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments