Review of Capitol Police Procedures During the Capitol Attack

The Capitol Police is responsible for protecting the Congress, its members, staff, visitors, and facilities. The U.S. Capitol Police's (Capitol Police) planning for January 6, 2021, did not reflect the potential for extreme violence aimed at the Capitol and did not include contingencies for support from other agencies. For example, although the Capitol Police had information protesters could be armed and were planning to target Congress, the Capitol Police's plans focused on a manageable, largely nonviolent protest at the Capitol.