Officer Suspended, Accused Of Involvement At U.S. Capitol: Police

Annapolis MD

11 January, 2021

5:22 PM

Description

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — The Anne Arundel County Police Department suspended one of its officers, pending an investigation into their potential involvement in last week's events at the U.S. Capitol. Police announced the decision in a Monday afternoon news release, adding that the accused officer will still be paid during their absence. Last Wednesday, President Donald Trump held a rally in Washington, D.C., hoping to stop the results of what he called a stolen election. At the protest, Trump repeated his unproven claims of voter fraud and election tampering. Thousands attended that event outside the Capitol, but a few hundred broke off. They blew past a police barricade and breached the halls of Congress in an effort to block the final step in confirming Joe Biden as president-elect. The struggle eventually left five people dead, and at least 69 were arrested, reports said. The threat forced lawmakers to push their official count of the Electoral College votes well into the night. Congress eventually reconvened and affirmed Biden's victory. His inauguration is set for Jan. 20. Police did not disclose the suspended officer's name or rank. They also did not specify whether the officer was on duty. The write-up did not indicate whether the officer is accused of entering the Capitol building or committing a crime. Patch requested more information, but police said none is available. "The Anne Arundel County Police Department is committed to the highest level of ethical standards by its sworn and civilian members, whether on or off duty," the agency said in the release. "The Anne Arundel County Police Department also supports all lawful expressions of freedom of speech and assembly." The department's Office of Professional Standards will investigate whether the accused officer broke any laws or agency policies. Like what you're reading? Invite a friend to subscribe to free Annapolis newsletters and real-time email alerts. RELATED: Bunker Phone Calls, Military Delays: Hogan Responds To Trump MobHogan Says Trump Isn't Fit For Office, Suggests Pence Is BetterMD Leaders Condemn 'Insurrection' That Overtook U.S. CapitolMaryland Police, County Officers Deployed For DC ProtestTrump Mob Attacks Capitol; 4 Deaths; 69 Arrests; FBI Seeks Tips Have a story idea? Please contact me at [email protected] with any pitches, tips or questions. Follow me on Twitter @JacobBaumgart and on Facebook @JacobBaumgartJournalist to stay up-to-date with the latest Anne Arundel County and Prince George's County news.