Did Nancy Pelosi fire Steven Sund? Capitol Police Chief announces resignation after destructive Capitol riots
Steven Sund, the Capitol Police Chief announced on January 6 that he would be turning in his resignation soon. This development comes soon after the police were largely overwhelmed by protesters who had stormed the Capitol building. According to media outlets, Sund will step down on January 16. Earlier, house speaker, Nancy Pelosi slammed the police chief for 'allowing' the mob to storm Congress over President Donald Trump's election loss and demanded his resignation.
“I’m calling for the resignation of the Capitol — the chief of the Capitol Police, Mr. Sund,” Pelosi said at a Jan 6 afternoon press conference. "There was a failure of leadership at the top of the Capitol Police.” Sund “hasn’t even called us since this happened,” she stated in the press meet. This leads to speculations if Sund was actually sacked with orders coming in from the top officials. The news of Sund's resignation comes as reports of the death of a Capitol Police officer started doing the rounds.
In addition, an Air Force vet, Ashi Babbitt, was shot and killed while three others suffered injuries. Sund's spokeswoman had earlier said he had no intentions of stepping down. But the recent turn of events lead to questions if he was actually fired, especially with Pelosi stating she couldn't reach him. Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer had promised swift action and it does appear the changes are already ringing in.
The widespread damage caused by President Trump's supporters saw the Capitol police totally unprepared. There was footage of the cops standing back and allowing the mob to force their way past the metal barricades and towards the Capitol. A protester was even photographed stealing Pelosi’s podium, adorned with her official seal.
Prior to Sund, there has been a slew of resignations that include Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Michael Stenger, Sergeant-at-Arms Paul. “If Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Stenger hasn’t vacated the position… I will fire him as soon as Democrats have a majority in the Senate,” Schumer had said. Pelosi said that there would be a comprehensive and detailed review.
Many White House staffers resigned on Wednesday, January 6, with more aides expected to follow suit in the days to come.Stephanie Grisham set the tone by resigning first. She served as the chief of staff to first lady Melania Trump. She was followed by deputy press secretary Sarah Matthews and White House social secretary Rickie Niceta and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao.