News
For the fastest response, please send all press inquiries to PIO@uscp.gov.
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday. The Public Information Office also activates afterhours for major breaking news.
Phone: (202) 224-1677
For instructions about requesting public information, please click HERE.
On January 27, 2021, at approximately 1:35 p.m., a United States Capitol Police Officer observed a vehicle parallel parked in the middle of the intersection of Second Street and Washington Avenue, SW.
The Suspect had exited the vehicle and walked north in the roadway of the 100 block of Washington Avenue, SW. The USCP Officer made contact with the Suspect and asked if there was a gun in the vehicle, to which the Suspect advised there was a pistol in the center console. The Suspect was placed under arrest and transported to Headquarters for processing.
Please see the following Joint Statement from the U.S. National Guard and United States Capitol Police.
Statement of Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman:
"I want to assure everyone that, with the exception of specific times on Inauguration Day itself while the swearing-in ceremonies were underway, the United States Capitol police did not instruct the National Guard to vacate the Capitol Building facilities. And on Inauguration Day, the Guard was notified and encouraged to reoccupy the spaces in the Capitol and CVC at 2 p.m.
At approximately 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, January 16, 2021, United States Capitol Police (USCP) officers stopped an adult female Suspect at First Street and Columbus Circle, NE, at a security checkpoint put in place for the Presidential Inauguration. The Suspect presented what was identified as a military challenge coin, and stated that she was a law enforcement officer. As the USCP officers questioned the Suspect, she drove off in the vehicle, and again was stopped at 50 Massachusetts Avenue.
At approximately 6:30 p.m. on Friday, January 15, 2021, United States Capitol Police (USCP) officers stopped a Suspect at North Capitol Street and E Street, NE, at a security checkpoint put in place for the Presidential Inauguration. The Suspect presented a non-government issued credential, and the officers observed a handgun in plain sight in the Suspect's vehicle. A search of the vehicle also found numerous rounds of ammunition.
The Suspect was placed under arrest and transported to USCP Headquarters for processing.
In preparation for the 59th Presidential Inaugural Ceremonies, the United States Capitol Police (USCP) has implemented a number of enhanced security measures across the U.S. Capitol Complex, including global fencing and street closures until further notice.
In preparation for the 59th Presidential Inauguration, the following road closures are in effect beginning today, January 12, 2021, until further notice.
As the Acting Chief of Police, I am committed to leading the United States Capitol Police (USCP) Department through this challenging time.
I want to first extend my gratitude for the kind words and prayers we have received following the loss of two of our USCP family last week. Officer Brian D. Sicknick and Officer Howard C. Liebengood were highly respected police officers, and both will be greatly missed. The Department continues to provide extensive support services to their families as well as to USCP employees to assist them through this difficult time.
The United States Capitol Police is deeply saddened by the off-duty death on January 9, 2021, of Officer Howard Liebengood, age 51. He was assigned to the Senate Division, and has been with the Department since April 2005. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and colleagues.
We ask that his family, and other USCP officers' and their families' privacy be respected during this profoundly difficult time.
