Steve Sund, US Capitol Police Chief, reportedly has submitted his letter of resignation following the alarming riots that took place at the capitol on Wednesday.
Effective January 16, he opted to resign after recoil concerning the lack of readiness the Capitol Police presented when dealing with rioters. As seen in many photos and videos, officers were not only underprepared, but some were even engaging with rioters and posing for selfies.
Chief Sund said in a statement released Thursday morning that many police officers were “actively attacked” with metal pipes and other weapons, and said rioters were “determined to enter into the Capitol building by causing great damage.”
“The violent attack on the U.S. Capitol was unlike any I have ever experienced in my 30 years in law enforcement here in Washington, D.C.,” Sund said.
“Maintaining public safety in an open environment–specifically for First Amendment activities–has long been a challenge.”
Five fatalities have been reported since the riots began on Wednesday afternoon, including one Capitol Police Officer who was on the scene.
