6 US Capitol police officers recommended for discipline in Jan. 6 riot ahead of ‘Justice for J6’ rally

September 13, 2021 3oliver

The U.S. Capitol Police have recommended six officers for disciplinary action stemming from their actions during the riot Jan. 6 at the Capitol.

No officers will face charges, the department said in a statement late Saturday. The announcement comes as law enforcement officials brace for possible unrest during a “Justice for J6” rally planned for Sept. 18 near the Capitol.

On Jan. 6, Capitol Police were unable to stop a mob of former President Donald Trump’s supporters from breaching the Capitol two weeks before Joe Biden was inaugurated as president. Trump has resolutely disputed the results despite no evidence of election fraud.

The Capitol Police Office of Professional Responsibility launched 38 internal investigations based on complaints from the January rally and was able to identify 26 of the officers involved, the department said in a statement. In 20 of the cases it said no wrongdoing was found.

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

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Some complaints did not contain enough information to identify the accused officer.

The disciplinary actions include three for conduct unbecoming and one each for failure to comply with directives, improper remarks and improper dissemination of information. No names or other details were released. It was not immediately clear whether all the disciplinary actions involved different officers, and no details on the discipline they face were revealed.

U.S. Capitol Police were besieged by a mob of former President Donald Trump's supporters on Jan. 6, two weeks before President Joe Biden was inaugurated.

Another case about an official who is accused of unsatisfactory performance and conduct unbecoming is still pending, police said. Capitol Police internal investigations, including any recommended disciplinary actions, as well as personnel matters, are not public information.

The Justice Department, using dozens of pieces of video evidence showing the chaos and attacks against police, has charged more than 500 people in connection with the riot. Many were charged with assaulting police officers.

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Several defendants, including members and associates of two prominent extremist groups, the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, have reached plea deals with prosecutors.

One woman trying to enter the Capitol through a window was shot to death by a Capitol police officer. The Justice Department announced in April that no charges would be filed against the officer.

Matt Braynard, a former Trump staffer who is organizing the Sept. 18 rally, said that the protest would be peaceful and that members of Congress were invited to speak. Rallies also will be held in 13 state capitals, Braynard said.

“This fake insurrection narrative will not be defeated by ignoring it,” Braynard tweeted Saturday. “Help us push back and demand #justiceforj6 at the US Capitol on September 18.”

Capitol Police said every available officer will be working that day, and Washington Metropolitan Police Department also will be involved in security.

“We are closely monitoring Sept. 18,” Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger said. “After Jan. 6, we made department-wide changes to the way we gather and share intelligence internally and externally. I am confident the work we are doing now will make sure our officers have what they need to keep everyone safe.”