'Catastrophic Failure' At US Capitol Must Be Investigated: Mayor

Updated (Jan. 7, 2:20 p.m.): This story was updated with comments from Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen, House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and House Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Tim Ryan (D-OH)

WASHINGTON, DC — Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser is calling on Congress to launch an investigation into the events leading to the breach of police lines outside the U.S. Capitol Wednesday and subsequent occupation of the building by pro-Trump rioters.

"The Congress must create a non-partisan commission to understand the catastrophic security failures that happened at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, both to hold people accountable and to ensure that it never happens again," Bowser said during a Thursday morning news briefing. "We must also understand why the federal law enforcement response was much stronger at the protests over the summer than during yesterday's attack on Congress."

On Wednesday night, Bowser first called into question the apparent disparity between the large number of federal forces in place during the racial justice protests in June following the death of George Floyd and Wednesday's lesser federal response at the U.S. Capitol.

"I also call upon the Joint Terrorism Task Force to investigate, arrest and prosecute any individual who entered the Capitol, destroyed property, or incited acts of domestic terrorism observed yesterday," Bowser said.

President Donald Trump must also be held responsible for inciting the riot at the Capitol, according to Bowser.

"What happened yesterday is what he wanted to happen, and we must not underestimate the damage he can do to our nation and our democracy over the next two weeks," she said Thursday.

Two congressional leaders have joined Bowser in calling for a review of events leading up to the the violence at the U.S. Capitol and the president's involvement.

"The coup attempt at the Capitol yesterday was instigated by President Trump, and responsibility for the violence rests with him and his supporters who ransacked the People’s House," House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and House Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Tim Ryan (D-OH) said in a joint statement. "However, the breach of the Capitol raises serious questions about what law enforcement did and what they should have done differently."

The lawmakers said the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds the Capitol Police, has begun an investigation into Wednesday's events.

Metropolitan Police Department released photos of numerous suspects wanted for breaking into the Capitol building and damaging property following a First Amendment demonstration outside the White House on Wednesday.

A $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of anyone responsible for a violent crime in the District. Anyone with information about these incidents or the identity of the individuals in the photos is asked to call police at 202-727-9099 or text a tip to 50411.

Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen released a statement saying the Department of Justice was committed to investigating those responsible for Wednesday's attack and holding them accountable.

"Our criminal prosecutors have been working throughout the night with special agents and investigators from the U.S. Capitol Police, FBI, ATF, Metropolitan Police Department and the public to gather evidence, identify perpetrators, and charge federal crimes where warranted," he said. "Some participants in yesterday's violence will be charged today, and we will continue to methodically assess evidence, charge crimes and make arrests in the coming days and weeks to ensure that those responsible are held accountable under the law."

The FBI is also seeking the public's help in identifying anyone who was involved with instigating the violence in D.C. on Wednesday. The public can submit information, photos or videos online.

Bowser responded to criticism that the MPD had not prevented the breach of the U.S. Capitol by pro-Trump rioters by reminding the public that MPD's primary responsibility is protecting the citizens of the District. Security of the National Mall and other federal properties is the responsibility of the federal government. MPD can only intervene at the request of federal authorities.

As a measure to allow the District more autonomy in how it protects its citizens, Bowser also called on Congress to put a D.C. statehood bill on the President Joe Biden's desk within the first 100 days of his term.

"Congress must immediately transfer command of the District of Columbia National Guard from the president of the United States and put it squarely under the command and control of the mayor of the District of Columbia," she said.

In June, the House of Representatives passed the first piece of D.C. statehood legislation in the country's history.

"What we saw was an affront not only to our democracy but also to our values, the values that make the District of Columbia a welcoming, diverse and inclusive city," Bowser said of Wednesday's violence.

Also see ...

• How Federal Response At Capitol Differed From June Protests
• Updated: 4 Die At US Capitol; Bowser Extends Public Emergency
• Metro Service To Close Early Due To Curfew
• Trump Mob Breaches Capitol; 1 Shot In Melee; Biden Decries Riot