Pelosi Under Scrutiny For Security Decisions Leading Up To Capitol Riot
Several prominent Republican congressmen demanded answers from Democrat Speaker Nancy Pelosi on how security was handled up to the January 6 Capitol riot.
Rodney Davis (R-IL), Jim Jordan (R-OH), James Comer (R-KY), and Devin Nunes (R-CA) sent Pelosi’s office a letter saying that “many important questions” about her “responsibility for the security” of the Capitol on January 6 “remain unanswered.”
The four Republican congressmen highlighted claims made by former Capitol Police Chief Steve Sund, who recommended summoning the National Guard as a precaution. However, former Sergeant at Arms Paul Irving said he was concerned about the “optics” and that there was no “intelligence” to support the precaution.
“When then-Chief Sund made a request for national guard support on January 4, why was that request denied?” the Republicans wrote. “Did Sergeant at Arms Paul Irving get permission or instruction from your staff on January 4 prior to denying Chief Sund’s request for the national guard?”
Additionally, they stated, “As you are aware, the Speaker of the House is not only the leader of the majority party but also has enormous institutional responsibilities. The Speaker is responsible for all operational decisions made within the House.”
https://twitter.com/Breaking911/status/1361369725817782284
The four Republican congressmen asserted that “Pelosi and her designees” had a hand in choosing how security would play out. “These decisions were made in a partisan manner without any consultation of House Republicans and therefore raise questions about the political motivations of your decisions,” they wrote.
Pelosi was also slammed for installing metal detectors in the Capitol.
“[Pelosi’s] hyperbolic focus on fabricated internal security concerns has taken critical resources away from the real threat, which is from outside the U.S. Capitol,” they wrote. “Your decision to install magnetometers around the House Chamber is yet another example of this misdirection and misappropriation of House resources, which could be better used to protect members, staff, and official visitors from real, confirmed threats.”
They added: “Tellingly, Madam Speaker, you have failed to comply with this requirement yourself.”
Pelosi’s attempt at managing the aftermath of the riot includes bestowing Congressional Gold Medals to the U.S. Capitol Police officers who defended the Capitol during the riot.
“The service of the Capitol Police force that day brings honor to our democracy. Their accepting this reward brings luster to this medal,” the Democrat Speaker said.
