Acting U.S. Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman is advocating for increased security measures around the Capitol to prevent another riot.
She noted in a statement security experts have pushed for improved security at the Capitol in the past.
“As I noted earlier this week, even before September 11, 2001, security experts argued that more needed to be done to protect the U.S. Capitol. In fact, a 2006 security assessment specifically recommended the installation of a permanent perimeter fence around the Capitol,” Pittman said.
She suggested permanent fencing and additional security.
“In light of recent events, I can unequivocally say that vast improvements to the physical security infrastructure must be made to include permanent fencing, and the availability of ready, back-up forces in close proximity to the Capitol,” Pittman said.
She added, “I look forward to working with Congress on identifying the security improvements necessary to ensure the safety and security of the Congress and the U.S. Capitol.”
The Capitol Police Officers’ Union slammed Pittman and her team in a statement after she revealed they had information about potential danger on Jan. 6, but failed to tell the officers, as IJR reported.
“The officers are angry, and I don’t blame them. The entire executive team failed us, and they must be held accountable. Their inaction cost one officer his life and we have almost 140 responding officers injured. They have a lot to atone for,” Gus Papathanasiou, the chairman of the U.S. Capitol Police Labor Committee, said.
Pittman acknowledged in a statement the department “failed to meet its own high standards” in securing the Capitol, as IJR reported.
“I am here to offer my sincerest apologies on behalf of the department. Let me be clear: the Department should have been more prepared for this attack,” Pittman explained.
She said, “We did not do enough.”