Mobile vet centers deployed at Capitol to provide mental health resources for siege survivors, responders Pro-Trump protestors storm the U.S. Capitol Jan. 6. (Sarah Sicard/Staff) To help those who responded to the deadly Jan. 6 Capitol siege cope with the unseen wounds of that attack, the Department of Veterans Affairs is moving two of its mobile vet centers onto Capitol Hill. They have been deployed to “ensure those impacted by the events of Jan. 6th can access support and mental health resources needed during this critical time,” according to a joint statement released Tuesday morning by House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Mark Takano, D-Calif., acting VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. Richard Stone, and acting U.S. Capitol Police Chief Yogananda D. Pittman.
The National Guard deployment is extended amid concerns of more unrest; Lucas Tomlinson reports from the Pentagon.
The union representing U.S. Capitol Police officers rebuked the department’s top brass Wednesday, arguing that leadership failed to relay key information to officers in advance of the Jan. 6 riot that left cops with severe brain injuries, and one who is going to lose an eye.
Capitol Police Labor Committee Chairman Gus Papathanasiou responded in a statement to what he described as a startling admission made by Chief Yogananda D. Pittman before the House Appropriations Committee that angered and shocked the rank-and-file officers.
Assistant Chief Yogananda
Pittman was designated as acting chief of U.S. Capitol Police on Jan. 8. She joined the force in 2001. U.S. Capitol Police
Updated at 1:40 p.m. ET
Still reeling from the aftermath of the deadly insurrection at the seat of the U.S. government last week, U.S. Capitol Police have designated Yogananda Pittman as the law enforcement agency s acting chief.
She has been with the force since April 2001 and was named acting chief on Friday, according to the U. S. Capitol Police (USCP) website. That came two days after pro-Trump extremists faced off and eventually overwhelmed security forces at the U.S. Capitol complex.
Pittman is the first woman and the first African American to lead the law enforcement agency, U.S. Capitol Police confirm to NPR. She has served with the force since April 2001.