News Releases
It has been six months since rioters attacked the United States Capitol and our brave police officers and law enforcement partners who fought valiantly to protect elected leaders and the democratic process.
We will never forget USCP Officers Brian Sicknick and Howie Liebengood, who died after the attack, nor the sacrifices of the nearly 150 law enforcement officers who were injured.
Since that day, our team has been working with federal law enforcement agents to track down the suspects and bring them to justice. So far more than 500 defendants face charges.
The United States Capitol Police is bringing back two Department veterans as consultants to assist the Department continue on its current path to evolve post January 6.
The United States Capitol Police welcomes and is already implementing many of the recommendations detailed in the Office of Inspector General's (OIG) fourth flash report on the Containment & Emergency Response Team (CERT) and the First Responders Unit (FRU).
For example, all recommended policy updates are being completed to reflect current practices and the Department is developing a plan to ensure cross division training.
Today Acting U.S. Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman and Acting Assistant Chief Sean Gallagher announced the Department is bringing on retired U.S. Secret Service Agent Wesley Schwark to help with USCP's major event planning, to include National Special Security Events.
"Mr. Schwark's 25-year law enforcement career will help us improve our now Department-wide operations planning processes," said Acting Chief Pittman. "This is yet another critical step we are taking to ensure a violent attack like January 6 never happens again."
The United States Capitol Police issued the following statement in response to the Capitol Attack Report by the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Government Affairs and the U.S. Senate Committee on Rules.
The United States Capitol Police is investigating a traffic crash that injured a USCP motorcycle officer.
At approximately 2:55pm, the USCP motorcycle officer was struck by a white van at the intersection of Washington Avenue and C Street, SW.
Two USCP motorcycle officers were traveling south on Washington Avenue when a white van traveling north attempted to cut across traffic towards the freeway on-ramp and struck one of the officers while he was on his motorcycle.
The injured officer was conscious and breathing when he was airlifted to the hospital.
"The Department is grateful for the support and the focus on providing enhanced capabilities and resources for our workforce. This support will directly help the Department move forward to meet our evolving mission." – U.S. Capitol Police
The United States Capitol Police has already taken significant steps to implement the recommendations detailed in the Office of Inspector General's (OIG) third flash report on counter-surveillance and threat assessments.
Last night at approximately 8:20 p.m., a man identified as John Liebsch (DOB: 02/04/1984) was arrested after throwing rocks at the Russell Senate Office Building.
Multiple officers initiated contact with the suspect, who was non-compliant and very combative.
The suspect, who has multiple warrants, including a warrant for felony destruction of property at Columbus Circle in November of 2020, was charged with Felony Destruction of Property, Felony Threats, Failure to Obey, Disorderly Conduct, Resisting Arrest, and Fugitive from Justice.
On April 28, 2021, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., will deliver an address to a Joint Session of Congress in the Chamber of the House of Representatives beginning at 9 p.m.
The event is designated as a National Special Security Event by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. The U.S. Secret Service and the United States Capitol Police, along with its law enforcement partners, including the Metropolitan Police Department and U.S. Park Police, are responsible for the preparation and coordination of the event's security plan.