Top Stories

Security concerns at U.S. Capitol grow after deadly attack killed USCP officer

WASHINGTON, D.C. — There are renewed concerns about security at the U.S. Capitol following Friday’s deadly attack that left one officer dead and another injured.

It is raising concerns about the vulnerability of the Capitol nearly three months after insurrectionists stormed the building.

Flowers have been placed down outside the Capitol for U.S. Capitol Police Officer William Evans who was killed Friday.

Police and National Guardsmen were seen protecting the Capitol Monday alongside new concrete barricades and the security fence.

The fence has been up since the January 6. insurrection.

The head of the Capitol Police union said officers are reeling from the death of Officer Williams.

The department already lost Officer Brian Sicknick, who died after responding to the January insurrection, and two other officers have taken their own lives this year.

“I ask that you keep our U.S. Capitol Police family in your thoughts and prayers,” said USCP Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman.

Members of Congress are now once again looking into Capitol security measures.

“It’s not as safe as we thought it was, but I think we have a game plan,” said Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio).

That plan could include following recommendations from retired Army Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré who is calling for an increased National Guard presence and mobile fencing that could be used quickly in a crisis, among other measures.

Those recommendations were made following the January insurrection.

The head of the Capitol Police union is also warning that while the department is already short staffed, they could lose even more officers to retirement or other job opportunities.