Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Congressman Troy Balderson (R-OH) is seeking answers from congressional leadership, the United States Capitol Police (USCP), the House Sergeant at Arms, and the Senate Sergeant at Arms regarding the U.S. Capitol siege that took place on Wednesday.

Following his decry of the violent riots, Balderson is asking for an explanation as to how the siege was able to take place, certain inappropriate actions taken by some USCP officers, and what actions will be taken to hold certain parties accountable. His letter also commends the attempts of USCP officers on the ground who, despite insufficient resources and direction from their leadership, largely attempted to fulfill their duties to protect the Capitol and its inhabitants.

An excerpt of the letter reads:

Congress showed the world that violent attacks on a bedrock of the American republic will not and cannot deter us from completing our Constitutional obligations. However, like many of my colleagues and our constituents, I am extremely concerned with and question the strategy implemented by both the House and Senate Sergeant at Arms and Chief of the United States Capitol Police to ensure the safety of frontline officers, the Capitol building and surrounding complex, and all those inside. I commend the attempts of officers on the ground who, despite insufficient resources and direction from their leadership, largely attempted to fulfill their duties to protect the Capitol and its inhabitants. Unfortunately, violent extremists sieged the Capitol building and were able to freely roam the hallowed halls of Congress for several hours, successfully disrupting the Joint Session of Congress and posing an ongoing threat to our national security.

Read the full letter.

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