Former Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund laid bare the bureaucratic hurdles and political interference that hampered his efforts to protect the Capitol on January 6. Sund’s account paints a picture of a system that failed him and the Capitol at a critical moment.
He was the only police chief in the country who had to seek approval from Congress to protect the Capitol. Even as the Capitol came under attack, Sund was forced to request assistance from the very people who had passed the law restricting his authority.
Despite having 340 National Guard troops activated, Sund was unable to deploy them without permission. The situation then escalated rapidly.
Within minutes of the Capitol coming under attack, Sund reached out to DC assistant police chief Jeff Carroll and the Sergeant at Arms, pleading for military assistance. His pleas fell on deaf ears.
House Sergeant at Arms Paul Irving merely promised to run it up the chain to then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Former Lieutenant with the Capitol police speaks out against acting Chief Yogananda Pittman who refused to initiate an evacuation of the Capitol despite countless warnings on Jan 6th.
"Ashley Babbitt would be home with her family today."
Only a few weeks later that same woman… pic.twitter.com/QC998MwNzU
— Michelle #FJB (@MichelleRM68) August 12, 2023
As the crisis deepened, Sund’s frustration grew. The shooting of Ashlii Babbitt marked a turning point.
Sund recalls asking, “We have shots fired on the US Capitol, is that urgent enough for you now?” Yet, the National Guard did not arrive until 6 pm, long after the New Jersey State Police had made their way to the Capitol.
Sund also highlighted the questionable handling of intelligence. He claimed significant intelligence was available, but this was not properly communicated to him.
This led many to become whistleblowers or resign. Sund himself was discouraged from testifying, further fueling his suspicion that something was amiss.
Adding to the chaos, Sund was denied support by Lt.-Gen. Walter Piatt and Gen. Charles Flynn, due to concerns about the optics of having the National Guard on Capitol Hill.
JUST IN – @TuckerCarlson Questions if Federal Agencies Allowed January 6 to Happen for Political Gain
According to Former Chief of the Capitol Police, Steven Sund, Federal agencies had intelligence suggesting the potential for violence leading up to January 6, including threats… pic.twitter.com/UWzYEkXRAA
— The Vigilant Fox 🦊 (@VigilantFox) August 11, 2023
Sund’s ordeal didn’t end there.
On January 4th, Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller issued a memo restricting the National Guard from carrying weapons or civil disobedience equipment. This move baffled Sund, who saw it as a direct contradiction to the impending threat of violence.
In an interview with Tucker Carlson, Sund raised serious allegations against Pelosi, Mitch McConnell, and the Pentagon leadership.
He claimed despite several warnings of potential violence, these were not communicated to him. Sund also criticized the decision to lock down the city without his knowledge, despite him being the one issuing permits for demonstrations on Capitol Hill.
Sund’s revelations expose a system riddled with bureaucratic red tape and political interference.
