"It's now or never": Bipartisan congressional report finds Capitol police ignored Jan. 6 warnings
3 years, 6 months ago

"It's now or never": Bipartisan congressional report finds Capitol police ignored Jan. 6 warnings

Salon  

Capitol security officials failed to warn key law enforcement officers back in December about an impending attack on the Capitol building despite having prior knowledge of the plan's orchestration on social media. According to a 100-page Senate report released on Tuesday, the Capitol Police's intelligence division flagged various social media posts that plotted to breach the building. Police Chief Yogananda Pittman told congressional investigators that the unit reportedly brought them to the department's "command staff," but the material never arrived at the desks of higher-ups. The report – which referenced a series of unearthed official documents as well as interviews with over 50 Capitol police officers – pits much of the blame on Pittman and a number of other security officials, calling out the "discrepancy" between the department's own findings and those of a security report from last December. The report, led by all three senators, also encouraged "reforms to and the Capitol Police Board," which it said are "necessary to ensure events like January 6 are never repeated."

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History of this topic

Police found no evidence of a threat at California Capitol after evacuation
2 weeks, 3 days ago

Police found no evidence of a threat at California Capitol after evacuation

Associated Press  

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Capitol was deemed safe for reopening Friday afternoon after an emailed threat prompted an evacuation earlier in the day. They were asked to leave the area and work remotely “out of an abundance of caution” while law enforcement investigated the credibility of the threat, according to the memo. The California Highway Patrol conducted a sweep …

Letters to the Editor: Three years after Jan. 6, Trump has been normalized. How did this happen?
11 months, 1 week ago

Letters to the Editor: Three years after Jan. 6, Trump has been normalized. How did this happen?

LA Times  

Police use pepper spray on rioters who were attempting to breach a barricade outside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. To the editor: Reporter Sarah D. Wire’s first-person account of the U.S. Capitol riot had me reliving the terror, disbelief and disgust that many Americans experienced on Jan. 6, 2021. I say “many” because — impossible as it sounds …

'We were blindsided': Capitol police chief says 'intelligence failed' on Jan. 6
1 year, 3 months ago

'We were blindsided': Capitol police chief says 'intelligence failed' on Jan. 6

Raw Story  

Politico reported Tuesday that retired U.S. Capitol police chief Steven Sund is blaming the intelligence community for failing to share warnings about the potential attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. In a new excerpt of a biography on Sen. Mitt Romney, it was revealed that a senior Pentagon official called Sen. Angus King to warn him that an …

US Capitol attack preceded by intelligence agency failures, Senate report says
1 year, 5 months ago

US Capitol attack preceded by intelligence agency failures, Senate report says

India Today  

A new report detailing intelligence failures leading up to the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol said government agencies responsible for anticipating trouble downplayed the threat - even as the building was being stormed in an attempt to stop Congress' certification of Joe Biden as the 46th president. The 105-page report, issued Tuesday by Democrats on the Senate …

US Senate report highlights Capitol riot intelligence ‘failures’
1 year, 5 months ago

US Senate report highlights Capitol riot intelligence ‘failures’

Al Jazeera  

FBI downplayed threats of violence by Trump supporters ahead of January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol, report says. Washington, DC – United States intelligence agencies “received numerous early warnings” ahead of the 2021 attack on the Capitol but failed to accurately assess the threat, a new Senate report has said. “In advance of the attack, multiple news agencies, …

FBI, Homeland Security ignored huge amount of intelligence before Jan. 6 riot, Senate report says
1 year, 5 months ago

FBI, Homeland Security ignored huge amount of intelligence before Jan. 6 riot, Senate report says

LA Times  

Pro-Trump rioters try to break through a police barrier at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security downplayed or ignored “a massive amount of intelligence information” ahead of the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S Capitol, according to the chairman of a Senate panel that is releasing a new report Tuesday on …

McCarthy gives Tucker Carlson access to thousands of hours of Jan. 6 surveillance footage
1 year, 10 months ago

McCarthy gives Tucker Carlson access to thousands of hours of Jan. 6 surveillance footage

LA Times  

Former President Trump talks with Fox News host Tucker Carlson as Donald Trump Jr., center, looks on at a golf tournament in Bedminster, N.J., in July 2022. Thousands of hours of surveillance footage from the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol are being made available to Fox News host Tucker Carlson, a stunning level of access granted by House …

Read it: J6 Committee releases its final report
2 years ago

Read it: J6 Committee releases its final report

Raw Story  

WASHINGTON - The congressional panel probing the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol released its final report late on Thursday, outlining its case that former U.S. President Donald Trump should face criminal charges of inciting the deadly riot. On Monday, the committee asked federal prosecutors to charge the Republican former president with four crimes, including obstruction and insurrection, …

5 key takeaways from January 6 panel’s report on US Capitol riot
2 years ago

5 key takeaways from January 6 panel’s report on US Capitol riot

Al Jazeera  

Washington, DC – “One man” is ultimately responsible for last year’s attack on the United States Capitol: Former President Donald Trump. Here is a look at five key takeaways from the final report: Trump is ‘central cause’ of the riot The report unambiguously blamed Trump for the attack on the Capitol: “The central cause of January 6th was one man, …

Secret Service warned Capitol Police of neo-Nazi threats a week prior to insurrection
2 years, 3 months ago

Secret Service warned Capitol Police of neo-Nazi threats a week prior to insurrection

Salon  

A new investigation has revealed that Secret Service was monitoring threats against the U.S. Capitol made by at least one neo-Nazi group prior to Jan. 6. Initially spotted by SITE Intelligence Group, the statements made in an apparent attempt to organize violent maneuvers against the Capitol were then relayed to Capitol Police by Secret Service, at which point they were …

Key takeaways from US Congress hearing on January 6 Capitol riot
2 years, 6 months ago

Key takeaways from US Congress hearing on January 6 Capitol riot

Al Jazeera  

Trump took centre stage as US lawmakers pushed to highlight the danger and violence of the 2021 attack on US Capitol. “On the morning of January 6, President Donald Trump’s intention was to remain president of the United States despite the lawful outcome of the 2020 election and in violation of his constitutional obligation to relinquish power,” she said. Al …

6 January: One year on, what do we know about the people who stormed the Capitol?
2 years, 11 months ago

6 January: One year on, what do we know about the people who stormed the Capitol?

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “If 80 per cent of them are documenting …

Intel reports repeatedly failed to forecast Capitol riot
2 years, 11 months ago

Intel reports repeatedly failed to forecast Capitol riot

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Intelligence reports compiled by the U.S. Capitol Police in the days before last year’s insurrection envisioned only an improbable or remote risk of violence, even as other assessments warned that crowds of potentially thousands of pro-Trump demonstrators could converge in Washington and create a dangerous situation. There was, according to a harshly critical Senate report issued in June, …

Insurrection prompts year of change for US Capitol Police
2 years, 11 months ago

Insurrection prompts year of change for US Capitol Police

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — A year after thousands of violent pro-Trump rioters overwhelmed police officers at the U.S. Capitol — severely injuring dozens in the process — the force dedicated to protecting the premier symbol of American democracy has transformed. “It’s a sea change between this year and last year in terms of how the Capitol Police are thinking, and operating,” said …

At this time last year, the Jan. 6 Capitol attack was being plotted – and was predicted
2 years, 11 months ago

At this time last year, the Jan. 6 Capitol attack was being plotted – and was predicted

Raw Story  

On December 23, 2020 I wrote a piece in this newsletter, sent out on email just like the hundred or so since then, and posted to social media. It was headlined, “The GOP's January 6th assault on democracy.” That was followed up a week later, on December 28th, with a piece headlined, “More on the GOP's alarming Jan. 6th assault …

Prosecutors: Capitol cop told Jan. 6 rioter to hide evidence
3 years, 2 months ago

Prosecutors: Capitol cop told Jan. 6 rioter to hide evidence

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — A U.S. Capitol Police officer has been indicted on obstruction of justice charges after prosecutors say he helped to hide evidence of a rioter’s involvement in the Jan. 6 insurrection. In a statement, U.S. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger said the department learned of the investigation against Riley several weeks ago and placed him on administrative leave when …

New report details dangerous weaponry brought by Capitol rioters — despite claims they were unarmed
3 years, 2 months ago

New report details dangerous weaponry brought by Capitol rioters — despite claims they were unarmed

Salon  

Republican lawmakers have spent months gaslighting the American public on what transpired at the U.S. Capitol on January 6. "A Mother Jones investigation drawing on public video footage, congressional testimony, and documents from more than a dozen federal criminal cases reveals that various Trump supporters descended on DC that day armed for battle with guns and other potentially lethal weapons," …

After Senate review, questions persist about Jan. 6 attack
3 years, 6 months ago

After Senate review, questions persist about Jan. 6 attack

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — A bipartisan Senate report released last week details security failures surrounding the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol and recommends how to fix them. The report, which detailed broad failures across government and law enforcement, was narrowly focused and did not examine the broader motivations of the rioters or Trump’s role as he spread lies about his election …

Capitol riot report: Anger as Trump’s role excluded but new details of security failures revealed
3 years, 6 months ago

Capitol riot report: Anger as Trump’s role excluded but new details of security failures revealed

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A new report into the 6 January Capitol riot has …

US Senate report outlines security failures during Capitol breach
3 years, 6 months ago

US Senate report outlines security failures during Capitol breach

Al Jazeera  

The January 6 riot was marred by government, military, and law enforcement missteps, the Senate report says. A Senate investigation of the January 6 riot and breach of the US Capitol has uncovered broad government, military and law enforcement missteps ahead of the violent attack, including a breakdown within multiple intelligence agencies and a lack of training and preparation for …

Stinging report raises new questions about Capitol security
3 years, 8 months ago

Stinging report raises new questions about Capitol security

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Shields that shattered upon impact. Missed intelligence in which future insurrectionists warned, “We get our president or we die.” As Congress pushes for a return to normalcy months after the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol, a damning internal report about the deadly siege is painting a dire picture of the Capitol Police’s ability to respond to threats …

Scathing report details how Capitol Police were caught unprepared for Jan. 6 riot
3 years, 8 months ago

Scathing report details how Capitol Police were caught unprepared for Jan. 6 riot

LA Times  

Police keep a watch on demonstrators who tried to break through a barrier at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. 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: riot shields that shattered upon impact, expired weapons that couldn’t be used, inadequate training and an …

Broad security failures during US Capitol riot remain: Report
3 years, 8 months ago

Broad security failures during US Capitol riot remain: Report

Al Jazeera  

A blistering internal report by the US Capitol Police describes a multitude of missteps that left the force unprepared for the January 6 insurrection — riot shields that shattered upon impact, expired weapons that could not be used, inadequate training and an intelligence division that had few set standards. The Capitol Police have so far refused to publicly release the …

What’s next as Congress ramps up investigations of Jan. 6
3 years, 8 months ago

What’s next as Congress ramps up investigations of Jan. 6

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — More than three months after the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol, Congress is still trying to figure out how to move forward and prevent future attacks. Capitol Police officers bore the brunt of the violence on Jan. 6, engaging in hand-to-hand combat with a violent mob that was able to push past them and break into the …

Capitol rioters were rounded up because they were oblivious to the FBI's surveillance technology: report
3 years, 8 months ago

Capitol rioters were rounded up because they were oblivious to the FBI's surveillance technology: report

Raw Story  

According to a deep dive from the Washington Post, advances in surveillance technology played a big part in the FBI's efforts to identify and arrest participants on the Capitol riot on Jan 6th that led to massive destruction at the U.S. Capitol and lawmakers fleeing for their lives. "The cache of federal documents lays out a sprawling mix of FBI …

Trump defends Capitol rioters, says there was ‘zero threat’ to lawmakers
3 years, 8 months ago

Trump defends Capitol rioters, says there was ‘zero threat’ to lawmakers

LA Times  

Former President Trump defended some of his supporters who rioted at the U.S. Capitol, saying Thursday that they posed “zero threat” to the lawmakers who had assembled to confirm President Biden’s victory in the November election. Trump complained to Fox News Channel’s Laura Ingraham that law enforcement was now “persecuting” the Capitol rioters, hundreds of whom have been arrested, while …

Trump's Capitol insurrection: A detailed timeline shows how the GOP owns January 6 lock, stock and barrel
3 years, 9 months ago

Trump's Capitol insurrection: A detailed timeline shows how the GOP owns January 6 lock, stock and barrel

Raw Story  

At last weekend's Conservative Political Action Conference, the Republican Party tried to rewrite history, in this case very recent history. In a directive that would have disastrous consequences, "The D.C. Guard was also told it would be allowed to deploy a quick-reaction force only as a measure of last resort," which in effect forced local D.C. officials to get a …

US Capitol calm as QAnon-militia ‘plot’ yet to materialise
3 years, 9 months ago

US Capitol calm as QAnon-militia ‘plot’ yet to materialise

Al Jazeera  

Authorities say intelligence points to a plot to storm the US Capitol on or around March 4, though things remain quiet. National Guard troops and Capitol Police remained vigilant around the US Capitol on Friday as concerns remained over reported militia plans to storm the seat of government in a repeat of the January 6 riots as lawsuits and court …

Tight security at US Capitol after intelligence warns of militia plot to storm building
3 years, 9 months ago

Tight security at US Capitol after intelligence warns of militia plot to storm building

Firstpost  

Washington: Law enforcement was on high alert Thursday around the US Capitol after intelligence uncovered a “possible plot” by a militia group to storm the iconic building again, two months after a mob of Donald Trump supporters smashed through windows and doors to try to stop Congress from certifying now-President Joe Biden’s victory. Initially it seemed as though the online …

US Law Enforcement on High Alert After Extremist Threat to Breach Capitol on March 4
3 years, 9 months ago

US Law Enforcement on High Alert After Extremist Threat to Breach Capitol on March 4

News 18  

Law enforcement was on high alert Thursday around the U.S. Capitol after intelligence uncovered a possible plot by a militia group to storm the iconic building yet again, two months after a mob of Donald Trump supporters smashed through windows and doors to try to stop Congress from certifying now-President Joe Biden’s victory. Online chatter identified by authorities included discussions …

Takeaways: What hearings have revealed about Jan. 6 failures
3 years, 9 months ago

Takeaways: What hearings have revealed about Jan. 6 failures

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Many questions remain unanswered about the failure to prevent the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. … BUT FEW WILLING TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY The acting Capitol Police chief, Yogananda Pittman, told a House appropriations subcommittee in February that the force “failed to meet its own high standards as well as yours.” She listed several missteps: not having …

Police uncover ‘possible plot’ by militia to breach Capitol
3 years, 9 months ago

Police uncover ‘possible plot’ by militia to breach Capitol

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Capitol Police say they have uncovered intelligence of a “possible plot” by a militia group to breach the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, nearly two months after a mob of supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the iconic building to try to stop Congress from certifying now-President Joe Biden’s victory. “The United States Capitol Police Department is aware of …

Police Uncover 'Possible Plot' by Militia to Breach US Capitol on March 4
3 years, 9 months ago

Police Uncover 'Possible Plot' by Militia to Breach US Capitol on March 4

News 18  

Capitol Police say they have intelligence showing a “possible plot” by a militia group to breach the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, nearly two months after a mob of supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the iconic building to try to stop Congress from certifying now-President Joe Biden’s victory. “The United States Capitol Police Department is aware of and prepared for …

EXPLAINER: What were the warnings before the Capitol riot?
3 years, 9 months ago

EXPLAINER: What were the warnings before the Capitol riot?

Associated Press  

Capitol Police leadership had plenty of intelligence warning that armed extremists were planning to target the Capitol over President Donald Trump’s election loss, according to new testimony Thursday. “I cannot get past a glaring discrepancy between intelligence received and preparation,” Rep. Katherine Clark, D-Mass., said during Thursday’s hearing before the House Appropriations Committee. Pittman also faced questions about an FBI …

Police chief says US intel did not warn of scale of Capitol riot
3 years, 9 months ago

Police chief says US intel did not warn of scale of Capitol riot

Al Jazeera  

The acting head of the Capitol police will testify before a House committee as Congress continues to probe the violence. United States Capitol Police were aware of the possibility of violence from armed extremists when the Capitol was attacked by supporters of former President Donald Trump, but intelligence did not indicate the possible scale of the event and officers became …

Chief: Capitol Police were warned of violence before riot
3 years, 9 months ago

Chief: Capitol Police were warned of violence before riot

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Capitol Police knew armed extremists were primed for violence at the iconic building on Jan. 6 and even provided officers with assault rifles to protect lawmakers, the acting chief acknowledged Wednesday. But Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman said intelligence collected ahead of the riot prompted the agency to take extraordinary measures, including the special arming of officers, intercepting radio …

US Capitol officials give conflicting accounts about FBI warning of violent protest from Trump supporters
3 years, 10 months ago

US Capitol officials give conflicting accounts about FBI warning of violent protest from Trump supporters

ABC  

An FBI warning that a protest by Donald Trump's supporters could turn violent reached US Capitol Police the day before the deadly assault, but top officials in charge of securing Congress say they did not see it. Key points: The former Capitol Police chief says there were concerns about how deploying troops would look Senators have heard conflicting accounts about …

In 1st public testimony on insurrection, Capitol defenders cite missed intelligence for deadly breach
3 years, 10 months ago

In 1st public testimony on insurrection, Capitol defenders cite missed intelligence for deadly breach

India Today  

Missed intelligence was to blame for the outmanned Capitol defenders' failure to anticipate the violent mob that invaded the iconic building and halted certification of the presidential election on January 6, the officials who were in charge of security that day said in their first public testimony on the insurrection. Former Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund, who resigned under pressure …

Capitol defenders cite missed intelligence for deadly breach
3 years, 10 months ago

Capitol defenders cite missed intelligence for deadly breach

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Missed intelligence was to blame for the outmanned Capitol defenders’ failure to anticipate the violent mob that invaded the iconic building and halted certification of the presidential election on Jan. 6, the officials who were in charge of security that day said Tuesday in their first public testimony on the insurrection. Sund said he hadn’t seen an FBI …

Takeaways from Congress’ first hearing on Capitol riot
3 years, 10 months ago

Takeaways from Congress’ first hearing on Capitol riot

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Security officials testifying at Congress’ first hearing on the deadly siege of the Capitol cast blame and pointed fingers on Tuesday but also acknowledged they were woefully unprepared for the violence. Senators drilled down on the stunning security failure and missed warning signs as rioters loyal to former President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, in …

Security Officials Testify About Failures At Capitol On January 6
3 years, 10 months ago

Security Officials Testify About Failures At Capitol On January 6

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING WASHINGTON — Testifying for the first time about the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, former security officials blamed faulty intelligence for the disastrous failure to anticipate the violent intentions of the mob that invaded the building and interrupted the certification of the presidential election. The officials, including the former chief of the Capitol Police, are blaming other …

U.S. Capitol breach | Security officials to answer for Jan. 6 failures
3 years, 10 months ago

U.S. Capitol breach | Security officials to answer for Jan. 6 failures

The Hindu  

Congress is set to hear from former U.S. Capitol security officials for the first time about the massive law enforcement failures on January 6, the day a violent mob laid siege to the building and interrupted the presidential electoral count. Ms. Klobuchar, D-Minn., said senators will be especially focused on the timing of the deployment of the National Guard, which …

Faulty intelligence blamed for disastrous response to Capitol riots
3 years, 10 months ago

Faulty intelligence blamed for disastrous response to Capitol riots

LA Times  

Former security officials told Congress on Tuesday that faulty intelligence was to blame for failing to properly prepare for last month’s bloody insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, testifying in dramatic detail about their shock at confronting a violent insurrection and not the manageable protest they had been expecting. “The events I witnessed on Jan. 6 was the worst attack on …

Ousted Capitol Security Officials Say They Didn't Have Intel To Plan For Riot
3 years, 10 months ago

Ousted Capitol Security Officials Say They Didn't Have Intel To Plan For Riot

NPR  

Ousted Capitol Security Officials Say They Didn't Have Intel To Plan For Riot Enlarge this image toggle caption Erin Scott/Pool/Getty Images Erin Scott/Pool/Getty Images Updated 8:20 p.m. ET Former U.S. Capitol security officials told Congress during a joint hearing on Tuesday that they did not have sufficient information ahead of Jan. 6 to accurately predict the scale of the attack. …

Acting Capitol Police chief tells Congress the department ‘failed’ during riot
3 years, 10 months ago

Acting Capitol Police chief tells Congress the department ‘failed’ during riot

CNN  

CNN — The acting head of the US Capitol Police told congressional members during a closed-door briefing Tuesday that the “department failed to meet its own high standards” on January 6 when a crowd of pro-Trump rioters overran the Capitol building. Acting US Capitol Police chief Yogananda Pittman called the insurrection a “terrorist attack” and offered her “sincerest apologies on …

US Justice Dept Watchdog Opens Probe of Response to Riots at US Capitol
3 years, 11 months ago

US Justice Dept Watchdog Opens Probe of Response to Riots at US Capitol

News 18  

The Justice Department’s internal watchdog said Friday that it will investigate how the department and its law enforcement agencies prepared for and responded to last week’s riots at the U.S. Capitol. The inspector general said it “also will assess whether there are any weaknesses in DOJ protocols, policies, or procedures that adversely affected the ability of DOJ or its components …

FBI says 100 arrested for Capitol Hill riots, agencies monitoring 'concerning online chatter'
3 years, 11 months ago

FBI says 100 arrested for Capitol Hill riots, agencies monitoring 'concerning online chatter'

India Today  

Following last week’s riots at the US Capitol in which hundreds of Trump supporters stormed the building in a bid to overturn the election results, US security agencies have said more than 100 people have been arrested so far. The security agencies are also monitoring “an extensive amount of concerning online chatter” ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on January …

FBI tracking ‘extensive’ online chatter about armed protests
3 years, 11 months ago

FBI tracking ‘extensive’ online chatter about armed protests

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The FBI is tracking an “extensive amount of concerning online chatter,” including calls for armed protests leading up to next week’s presidential inauguration, Director Chris Wray said Thursday. Those events could bring armed individuals near government buildings and elected officials, Wray warned, while also noting, “One of the real challenges in this space is trying to distinguish what’s …

Capitol investigators try to sort real tips from noise
3 years, 11 months ago

Capitol investigators try to sort real tips from noise

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Potential threats and leads are pouring in to law enforcement agencies nationwide after the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. “There are some grammar schools that are better protected than the Capitol,” said Brian Higgins, a professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York and the former chief of a northern New Jersey police force. …

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