Up to 10 to 15 cases involving the Capitol Police are currently under investigation, said Ryan. Majority leader Steny Hoyer also told Democrats in a previous call that about 15 police cases are under investigation and that two officers have been suspended.
“The Capitol Police is looking for everyone involved who could potentially have facilitated” the taking of the Capitol or helped the protesters “on a large or small level in any way,” said Ryan, warning that he has “no direct evidence” of a “Internal work.”
Many Capitol police were in danger as they worked on Wednesday to protect lawmakers, advisers and journalists during the deadly uprising. Many injuries sustained and an officer, Brian Sicknick, died of his injuries on Thursday night. Another police officer, Howard Liebengood, died of suicide after the attack, according to reports. CBS News too reported monday that some officers have threatened to injure themselves since the ambush.
But Democrats are increasingly concerned that some policemen may have helped the protesters, with videos showing a small number of officers tearing down barricades and, in another case, stopping for a photo with one of them.
Ryan emphasized that a full investigation is underway and that supervision by the Capitol Police Congress is highly likely. In the meantime, lawmakers are focused on learning from the attack to ensure a safe opening on January 20, he said.
“I think any review that takes place on January 6 will take into account a broader understanding of supervision, which needs to be done as we begin to build the strength of the future,” said Ryan.
“We will have to make a lot of changes with regard to the structure of the buildings, the perimeters, the roles and responsibilities around the Capitol Police. And all of this will require us to have more supervision over them, ”he said. “I think there will be a bipartisan agreement on this.”
Heather Caygle contributed to this report.