Staff Reports
In a testimony before the House Administration Oversight subcommittee, former US Capitol Police Chief Steven A. Sund placed the blame for the breakdown in security during the January 6th Capitol Riot squarely on Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Sund stated that Pelosi refused to deploy the National Guard, despite his efforts to seek help from House Sergeant at Arms Paul Irving and Senate Sergeant at Arms Michael Stenger.
According to Sund, Stenger informed him that Pelosi did not want the guard to be present on Capitol grounds that day. Sund expressed his astonishment at this revelation, saying, “We’ve got to come up with another plan. Pelosi will never go for it. I was floored by him saying that.” Sund also revealed that he had contacted Irving at 12:58 p.m. on the day of the riot to request the National Guard, but did not receive approval until 71 minutes later.
Sund’s testimony aligns with Republican lawmakers’ accusations that Pelosi and Irving made him the “fall guy” for the breach and riot. Representative Greg Murphy of North Carolina asserted that the blame for the conditions leading to the attack rests with Pelosi and the two Sergeant at Arms, while Representative Norma Torres of California attempted to shift the blame to former President Donald Trump.
Donald Trump on Nancy Pelosi’s failures on J6:
“She’s responsible for January 6th” pic.twitter.com/I47eynTRfz
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) September 17, 2023
Trump himself recently accused Pelosi of being “responsible” for the riot, claiming that she turned down 10,000 soldiers for security. He criticized the J6 Committee for failing to interview Pelosi. These statements have sparked further debate regarding the events of January 6th and the role of various individuals in the security breakdown.
In addition to this news, a recent development in the legal proceedings surrounding the riot involves Ray Epps, who allegedly directed protesters to enter the Capitol. Epps has been charged with disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds. This discrepancy in charges has raised concerns and questions about the fairness of the legal process for all individuals involved in the January 6th events.
Overall, this testimony and the subsequent reactions highlight the deep divisions and ongoing debates surrounding the Capitol Riot and its aftermath. They also underscore the need for a thorough investigation to uncover the truth and ensure accountability for those responsible.
