Three Capitol security officials have resigned following riots in the nation’s capital. The series of resignations began with Sergeant-at-Arms Michael Stenger. Senator Majority Leader Mitch McConnell stated that he would fire Stenger if he didn’t resign first.
“Today I requested and received the resignation of Michael Stenger, the Senate Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper, effective immediately,” McConnell said.
“[We will] examine the serious failures that transpired yesterday and continue and strengthen our preparations for a safe and successful inauguration on January 20th.”
Following Stenger, Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund decided to resign from his position. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi called for his resignation letter similar to McConnell.
“I am respectfully submitting my letter of resignation, effective Sunday, January 16, 2021,” Sund said.
“It has been a pleasure and true honor to serve the United States Capitol Police Board and the Congressional community alongside the women and men of the United States Capitol Police.”
Gus Papathanasiou of the Capitol Police Union said that the breach in security was caused by a lack of communication and planning Moving forward, the union promises to make changes.
“Without a change at the top, we may see more events unfold like those we saw on January 6th. We cannot leave our officers and the Capitol Hill community they protect, to the mercy of further attacks amid a vacuum of leadership,” he said.
“Until we have a leadership team at USCP that is willing to work hand in hand with the Union and our Officers as one team, we will continue to have systemic failures.”
In addition to changes in the Capitol Police, the FBI has launched an investigation into the day’s events.
“Our agents and analysts have been hard at work through the night gathering evidence, sharing intelligence, and working with federal prosecutors to bring charges,” the FBI stated.
