Off-duty police, firefighters under investigation in connection with U.S. Capitol riot

By Maria Caspani

 

FILE PHOTO: Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump climb on walls at the U.S. Capitol during a protest against the certification of the 2020 U.S. presidential election results by the U.S. Congress, in Washington, U.S., January 6, 2021. REUTERS/Jim Urquhart/File Photo

 

(Reuters) - As investigators seek to identify rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol, police departments in Virginia and Washington state have placed officers on leave as authorities examine whether they took part in unlawful acts while off-duty.

 

Fire departments in Florida and New York City have also said they reported to federal authorities allegations that some of their members may have been present when the mob broke into the Capitol as Congress met to certify the results of the Nov. 3 presidential election.

 

The police department in the small town of Rocky Mount, Virginia, said on Sunday it had placed two officers on administrative leave after it learned they attended an "event" in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday while off-duty.

 

"The Town of Rocky Mount fully supports all lawful expressions of freedom of speech and assembly by its employees but does not condone the unlawful acts that occurred that day," the department said in a statement, saying it had notified federal authorities.

 

Five people lost their lives, including a Capitol Hill police officer, when supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol in an attempt to disrupt the formal recognition of Trump's election loss to Democrat Joe Biden.

 

Dozens of people have been criminally charged, and the FBI has sought help from the public to identify more participants.

 

Seattle's police department (SPD) said it also placed two officers on administrative leave while an investigation takes place into any role they may have played in the chaos that unfolded on the other side of the country.

 

"If any SPD officers were directly involved in the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, I will immediately terminate them," the department's interim chief, Adrian Diaz, said in a statement.

 

The New York City Fire Department said it provided information to the FBI after receiving "anonymous allegations" that some of its members, active or retired, were present during the rioting in the nation's capital.

 

And in Florida the Sanford Fire Department said it placed one of its firefighters on administrative leave and was investigating after a photo and video emerged online that appeared to show him among the mob.

 

On Saturday a top Democratic lawmaker said the Capitol was a crime scene and urged mobile carriers and social media companies to preserve all data related to the carnage.

 

(Reporting by Maria Caspani; Editing by Daniel Wallis)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2021-01-11

 

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The mob they were a part of beat a cop to death with a fire extinguisher.  END THEIR CAREERS!

I am somewhat conflicted in police and off duty fire staff taking part in political protests.

Firstly I think fire department staff off duty, should retain the right to protest peacefully as should all citizens in a democracy.

 

Police staff I feel are a separate matter, and although as citizens have the right to have personal viewpoints on politiccal matters, to partake in a protest, is another matter, surely to uphold the law, they need to remain apolitical, and due their role in community relinquish the right to protest. (with the exception of employment related matters).

Do police departments have anything about participating political/civilian protests in the their "codes of conduct"?

 

This however was not a peaceful protest, it turned into a riot, and setting up scaffolds, people carrying pipebombs and ropes, indicates they intended harm to others, breaking into buildings and causing mayhem as well as death is unacceptable behaviour for anyone no matter what their careers.

 

 

I guess they will all argue they followed the orders of the commander in chief.

Arrest those who are responsible for this coup attempt.

44 minutes ago, shdmn said:

The mob they were a part of beat a cop to death with a fire extinguisher.  END THEIR CAREERS!

 

Right, we have off duty cops, my city has two on 'administrative leave' while under investigation at this moment. Now, off duty firemen. If you know people that work in these professions, this is not a surprise. It is in fact part of the problem. It also is a partial explanation why the mob was allowed in by the Capitol Police. While it seems contradictory, it is also not a surprise they beat a fellow cop to death.

That was not a (protest)it was a rioting mob bent on overthrowing our democracy they must be held accountable as well as the chief instigator Donald trump plus the media outlets knowingly broadcasting false information enough!

The U.S Department of the Army is said to be investigating quite a few active-duty, and discharged, personnel.

 

At least 25 troops under investigation for terrorism in connection with Capitol riot

 

WASHINGTON – At least 25 troops are under investigation for terrorism related to Wednesday's siege at the Capitol, according to a Defense official and a member of Congress.

 

Rep. Jason Crow, a Democrat of Colorado and a former Army Ranger, said he spoke with Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy on Sunday and was told that "at least 25 domestic terrorism cases have been opened as a result of the assault on the Capitol."

 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/01/10/25-troops-under-investigation-terrorism-related-riot-capitol/6618295002/

9 minutes ago, mtls2005 said:

The U.S Department of the Army is said to be investigating quite a few active-duty, and discharged, personnel.

 

At least 25 troops under investigation for terrorism in connection with Capitol riot

 

WASHINGTON – At least 25 troops are under investigation for terrorism related to Wednesday's siege at the Capitol, according to a Defense official and a member of Congress.

 

Rep. Jason Crow, a Democrat of Colorado and a former Army Ranger, said he spoke with Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy on Sunday and was told that "at least 25 domestic terrorism cases have been opened as a result of the assault on the Capitol."

 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/01/10/25-troops-under-investigation-terrorism-related-riot-capitol/6618295002/

Not sure they could could much with the retired ones, except them refer for investigation by civilian authorities.

 

"If any SPD officers were directly involved in the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, I will immediately terminate them," the department's interim chief, Adrian Diaz, said in a statement.

 

Another Arnold Schwartzenegger wannabe! Doesn't he mean that he will terminate their employment?

One would think that police and firemen have the capacity and training to think critically not emotionally,  and make decisions based on situational awareness and not follow blindly a herd of stampeding mountain men...

well, looks like the Trump Virus really makes your head spin.

In any case, they have made their bed...

As a further note of possible federal crimes (remember DC is a federal district and not a state) committed is "felony murder:"

....when an offender kills (regardless of intent to kill) in the commission of a dangerous or enumerated crime (called a 'felony" in some jurisdictions), the offender, and also the offenders accomplices or co-conspirators, may be found guilty of murder.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felony_murder_rule

Even an accidental death.

Example-a robber kills a clerk inthe commission of a robbery. The driver of the getaway car, as well as the robber, may be charged with first-degree murder.

https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/felony_murder_doctrine

Even deaths caused by a heart attack during commission of a felony.

https://www.crimlawpractioner.org/post/2016/03/22/burglaries-heart-attacks-murder

Might Trump be charged for felony murder?

(I don't expect this would be in any House impeachment indictment as it will not get Senate Republican support)

If Trump resigned, would temporary POTUS Pence have the audacity to pardon Trump from felony murder?

1 minute ago, Srikcir said:

As a further note of possible federal crimes (remember DC is a federal district and not a state) committed is "felony murder:"

 

Meh.

 

White people, so misdemeanor trespassing, $50 fine.

 

 

A trolling post has been removed.

5 hours ago, webfact said:

police departments in Virginia and Washington state have placed officers on leave as authorities examine whether they took part in unlawful acts while off-duty.

they did take part, i'd add, an active part. no doubt about that! pictures speak for themselves

FBI, NYPD told Capitol Police about possibility of violence before riot, senior officials say

The FBI visited more than a dozen extremists before the rally last week to urge them not to travel to D.C., senior law enforcement officials said.

 

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/crime-courts/fbi-nypd-told-capitol-police-about-possibility-violence-riot-senior-n1253646

1 hour ago, RJRS1301 said:

Not sure they could could much with the retired ones

 

Seen some reports that they can be recalled, then subjected to UCMJ, and potentially lose all benefits.

 

At least that's been mentioned in the case of Larry Rendall Brock Jr.

 

Rioter Seen on Senate Floor in Body Armor Is Retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel

 

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2021/01/09/man-who-broke-senate-chamber-body-armor-was-retired-air-force-lieutenant-colonel.html

 

 

My understanding also is that it's possible to recall and discipline former U.S. military folks, including people like Flynn and the nutter in the above photo.

 

I hope the incoming administration and its new Defense Department administration seriously pursues such cases and holds those involved responsible for their actions.

 

 

 

Those cult members actually think it is patriotic to storm the Capitol and assassinate the VP and Speaker. Listen to their chants. They also appear to have had inside information, as they avoided the public offices of many of the Congress people and went straight for their secondary, non-public offices. How did they know?

 

Fortunately, most of the reps and senators were whisked away to secure facilities in time.

 

ANYONE involved in this putsch, as well as EVERYONE who incited it (45, rudy, 45, jr, mo brooks) should be arrested.

2 hours ago, RJRS1301 said:

Not sure they could could much with the retired ones, except them refer for investigation by civilian authorities.

 

If retired military, I'm thinking depends on rank?

Jeez.  They have great jobs, great pensions, and go and do this.  Bye bye!

5 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

I guess they will all argue they followed the orders of the commander in chief.

Arrest those who are responsible for this coup attempt.

You can bet that they will all be singing that song before long ... the lawful President of the USA told me to do this, just following his admonishments.

This is what happens when you arbitrarily start labeling ordinary guys who get paid to selflessly run into burning buildings or confront gun crime as heroes. It goes to some guys heads.

52 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

This is what happens when you arbitrarily start labeling ordinary guys who get paid to selflessly run into burning buildings or confront gun crime as heroes. It goes to some guys heads.

Just defund them all already