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Two Capitol police officers suspended while under investigation for alleged roles in the riot

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The U.S Capitol was stormed by a riot of “pro Trump” supporters on Wednesday Jan 6th. Two officers were suspended and at least 10 more are under investigation for their role during last week’s assault on the capitol.

The events that transpired followed after President Trump urged his supporters to fight against the ceremonial counting. A group of rioters pushed through barriers set up along the perimeter of the Capitol, where they tussled with officers in full riot gear, some calling the officers “traitors” for doing their jobs. After about an hour, police said demonstrators got into the building and the doors to the House and Senate were locked. Shortly after, the House floor was evacuated by police. Vice President Mike Pence was also evacuated from the chamber, where he was to perform his role in the counting of electoral votes.

During the riot one of the Capitol police officers took a selfie with one of the rioters, another officer wore a “Make America Great Again” hat and started directing people around the building, according to Rep. Tim Ryan, an Ohio Democrat.

CNN reported that it hasn’t been disclosed how many other officers were under investigation but confirmed it was between 10 and 15.

In a statement to the press Rep. Tim Ryan says, “The main issue here is if something was related to Jan. 6 or before [that] can help us prepare for the inauguration, we want to deal with that,” Ryan said. “We need to flesh that out and find out who may have been involved in that.”

In a statement Monday night, Capitol Police acting Chief Yogananda Pittman said several officers were suspended. The FBI is investigating the attack on the Capitol and members of Congress have promised investigations.

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