US Capitol Police union warns of potential exodus after latest attack
The head of the Capitol Police union has called on Congress to bolster security following a second attack at the US Capitol complex this year.
Chairman of the US Capitol Police Labor Committee Gus Papathanasiou said Sunday in a statement that the police force was “struggling to meet existing mission requirements” as the department is 233 officers below its authorized level of over 2,000.
"We are struggling to meet existing mission requirements even with the officers working massive amounts of forced overtime," Papathanasiou said.
"In the next 3-5 years we have another 500 officers who will be eligible to retire. Many of these officers could put in their retirement papers tomorrow. I’ve had many younger officers confide in me that they’re actively looking at other agencies and departments right now."
Papathanasiou said the Friday attack at the US Capitol complex has left his peers “reeling.”
A man identified as Noah Green drove his car into the officers, hitting a barricade and then allegedly exiting his car and lunging at them with a knife.
One officer was killed and another injured in the attack. Green was shot and killed by police.
"We have now lost two officers in the line of duty this year," Papathanasiou added. "Another officer has taken his own life and we have 80 officers who were seriously injured in the insurrection. Some of those injured officers may never return to duty."
Lawmakers in Washington expressed horror at the latest attack, noting that it came less than three months after the January 6 deadly riot on Capitol Hill during congressional certification of President Joe Biden’s election victory.
During the riot, Officer Brian Sicknick died soon after being "injured while physically engaging with protesters,” according to Capitol Police.
Another Capitol Police officer, Howard Liebengood, died by suicide a few days after the attack.
Some Democrats and Republicans have criticized the Capitol police for failing to preempt the January 6 assault.
The appeal by Papathanasiou comes about one month after a report by a team led by Ret. Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré made sweeping recommendations for the police force.
The report found that the police force was "understaffed, insufficiently equipped, and inadequately trained” to protect the Capitol.
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