police department in washington, d.c. for almost two decades, my law enforcement career actually began here in this building as a united states capitol police officer shortly after 9/11. in part because of the 2001 attack on our country by terrorists, i felt called to serve. as a capitol police officer, i was proud to protect this institution and dedicated members of congress and their staff who work hard each day to uphold our american democracy. i remain proud of the work of the united states capitol police and mpd officers who literally commit their lives to protecting the safety of each of you and all of us in this room in our nation's capitol. after leaving the united states capitol police, i became an mpd officer servicing the residents of washington, d.c. i had spent the majority of my nearly 20 years as a metropolitan police officer working in special mission units whose responsibilities include