U.S. Capitol Police watchdog worries lawmakers, saying the force has ‘issues’ detecting threats
Updated May 11, 5:35 AM;
Posted May 10, 7:45 PM
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WASHINGTON The Capitol Police force was hobbled by inadequate intelligence gathering ahead of the Jan. 6 siege, the department’s watchdog told Congress on Monday, alarming lawmakers who are concerned for their own safety amid rising threats against members of Congress.
Capitol Police Inspector General Michael Bolton testified in the first of three House hearings this week on what went wrong during the Jan. 6 insurrection. Lawmakers are investigating the riots as they contemplate overhauling security, and Bolton has recommended that the Capitol Police create a new stand-alone division that would gather intelligence about threats and protect members similar to the way the U.S. Secret Service protects the president.
Capitol Police hamstrung by inadequate intelligence gathering ahead of Capitol riot, watchdog says Share Updated: 4:09 AM EDT May 11, 2021 MARY CLARE JALONICK Share Updated: 4:09 AM EDT May 11, 2021
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The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Share Updated: 4:09 AM EDT May 11, 2021 MARY CLARE JALONICK Video above: Feds release videos showing Jan. 6 police assaultThe Capitol Police force was hobbled by inadequate intelligence gathering ahead of the Jan. 6 siege, the department s watchdog told Congress on Monday, alarming lawmakers who are concerned for their own safety amid rising threats against members of Congress. Capitol Police Inspector General Michael Bolton testified in the first of three House hearings this week on what went wrong during the Jan. 6 insurrection. Lawmakers are investigating the riots as they contemplate overhauling security, and Bolton has recomme
A driver struck two officers, killing one. The suspect has been identified as a 25-year-old male from Indiana.
A new inspector general report, one of several Bolton is preparing in response to the insurrection, said the department “has experienced issues” because of the increase in threats over the last five years and recommended the force hire more agents who are dedicated to assessing threats.
Bolton said there were multiple deficiencies that led to a lack of communication and guidance ahead of the siege. He said the department s guidance on counterintelligence was “outdated or vague” some so ancient that it referred to Blackberry communication devices, which are now rarely used.
Mary Clare Jalonick
FILE - In this Jan. 6. 2021, file photo, people storm the Capitol in Washington. A blistering internal report by the U.S. Capitol Police describes a multitude of missteps that left the force unprepared for the Jan. 6 insurrection âÄî riot shields that shattered upon impact, expired weapons that couldnâÄôt be used, inadequate training and an intelligence division that had few set standards. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) May 10, 2021 - 1:47 PM
WASHINGTON - The Capitol Police force was hobbled by inadequate intelligence gathering ahead of the Jan. 6 siege, the department s watchdog told Congress on Monday, alarming lawmakers who are concerned for their own safety amid rising threats against members of Congress.