Topline
U.S. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger said Monday failures that led to the January 6 riots have “largely been fixed” but warned that extremist groups involved in the attack remain a threat, in an interview published by NPR on Tuesday, ahead of a Congressional medal ceremony honoring the officer who defended the Capitol Building.
U.S. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger speaks after a prayer vigil on the East Center Steps on the one … [+]
Key Facts
In the NPR interview, Manger said the agency is “much better prepared” to deal with threats as the “big failures” have now been fixed.
Manger, however, acknowledged that he still loses “some sleep” over the concern that many of the extremist groups posing a threat to the Capitol remain active.
The federal agency has opened field offices in California and Florida since Manger took over lawmakers from those states face the most threats—evidenced by the recent attack on outgoing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-Calif.) husband at her residence.
Manger noted that his major focus includes having agents in all 50 states, enhancing intelligence operations and improving communications both internally and with other agencies.
What To Watch For
Officers from the Capitol Police and the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department who defended the capitol on January 6 will receive the Congressional Gold Medal— Congress’ highest honor—on Tuesday.
Tangent
In his interview, Manger added that the investigation into the attack on Pelosi’s San Francisco residence has largely been completed. The Capitol Police is now conducting a review to figure out what changes it needs to make to prevent such incidents.
Key Background
The medal ceremony comes as the January 6 committee is preparing to complete its year-and-a-half-long investigation into the Capitol riot. The committee is expected to release its final report later this month before the Republicans take control of the House in January. Individuals involved in the riot, however, continue to face investigations and court cases. Late last month, Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the far-right extremist group Oath Keepers was found guilty of seditious conspiracy. Another Oath Keeper member, Kelly Meggs, was also convicted of the same crime and both individuals now face up to a maximum of 20 years in prison for their role in the attack on the Capitol.
Further Reading
Capitol Police chief: Jan. 6 failures ‘largely’ fixed but extremism threat persists (NPR)
Oath Keepers Trial: Founder Stewart Rhodes Found Guilty Of Seditious Conspiracy—In A First Since 1995 (Associated Press)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2022/12/06/capitol-police-chief-says-failures-that-led-to-jan-6-have-been-fixed-but-concerns-remain-over-extremist-groups/