Statement: USCP Chief Tom Manger’s Message to the Community

USCP, USSS Capture Suspected Police Impersonator with Stash of Knives

January 31, 2023 

Press Release

The United States Capitol Police (USCP) caught a suspected police impersonator with a stash of knives on Monday after receiving a tip from the United States Secret Service (USSS).

The United States Capitol Police (USCP) caught a suspected police impersonator with a stash of knives on Monday after receiving a tip from the United States Secret Service (USSS).

At approximately 6:20 p.m., an officer with the USCP’s Bicycle Response Team noticed a man, who was wanted for questioning by the U.S. Secret Service, near the corner of Third Street and Madison Drive, NW. Officers with the USSS Uniformed Division first spotted the suspect a few minutes earlier near Constitution Avenue and 15th Street. 

USCP officers searched the suspect and found multiple knifes on him as well as a chain saw blade.

The United States Secret Service quickly arrived on scene, searched the suspect’s SUV, and found fake police equipment. USSS officers also discovered shell casings, a smoke grenade and a gas mask inside the suspect’s Ford Explorer.

“This is another example of how our teams work closely with our partner law enforcement agencies to keep everyone safe. These partnerships are critical,” said U.S. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger. “We thank the U.S. Secret Service for their detailed and timely information and we thank our officers who continue to show their dedication to our critical mission every day.” 

The suspect, 37 year old Max Eli Viner, was arrested by the U.S. Secret Service. Charges for Impersonating a Law Enforcement Officer and Possession of a Prohibited Weapon within the District of Columbia are pending.

USCP Statement on the Sentencing for Officer Brian Sicknick’s Attackers

January 27, 2023 

Press Release

Today the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced the sentencing for the people involved in the attack against United States Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick. Here is USCP Chief Tom Manger’s statement: 

“Today our United States Capitol Police family is thinking about our late friend, Officer Brian Sicknick, and his family. In the face of a violent attack on the U.S. Capitol, Officer Sicknick and his colleagues heroically defended the Congress and our democratic process. As a member of our First Responders Unit, Officer Sicknick was protecting the West Front of the Capitol Building when he was brutally attacked. He died the very next day. We are grateful for everyone who helped put his attackers behind bars. We will never forget Officer Sicknick’s bravery, nor his dedication to our country. Officer Brian Sicknick died an American hero and he will forever be remembered as one.” – United States Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger

USCP Officers Arrest Serial Armed Carjackers Hiding in Restaurant Freezer

January 24, 2023 

Press Release

This afternoon United States Capitol Police (USCP) officers arrested two suspects who hid in an outdoor restaurant freezer after a vehicle pursuit.

Around 11:45 a.m., an officer along the 100 block of E Street, NW, spotted a white BMW sedan that was believed to be tied to multiple armed carjackings across a neighboring county. The people inside the car were considered to be armed and dangerous. The officers attempted to make a traffic stop, but the driver sped off.

The driver clipped a USCP van along First Street, then crashed into a USCP SUV along the 300 block of Third Street, SE.

The driver and passenger got out of the car, ran and then tried to hide in an outdoor freezer behind a restaurant along Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, where they were caught by USCP officers. A gun and a high-capacity magazine were recovered.

The suspects were identified as 18-year-old Cedae Hardy and 18-year-old Landrell Jordan.

The charges include Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle, Carrying a Pistol without a License, Felony Fleeing, Reckless Driving, Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Auto X2), Large Capacity Feeding Device, Destruction of Property, Unregistered Ammunition, and Unregistered Firearm.

February 27, 2022 Press Release
“Our Department’s mission to protect the United States Congress, the Capitol, and the legislative process remains unwavering. In light of the upcoming State of the Union Address, and the possibility of demonstrations in the next couple of weeks, we have been working closely with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners on a security plan to prevent any disruption to the important work of Congress. Out of an abundance of caution, and in conjunction with the United States Secret Service, a plan has been approved to put up the inner-perimeter fence around the Capitol building for the State of the Union Address. I have also requested support from outside law enforcement agencies as well as the National Guard to assist with our security precautions. We will continue to update the community about any information that may impact the roads around Capitol Hill.” – United States Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger

USCP Plans for Extra Security Ahead of the Joint Session of Congress

February 18, 2022 

Press Release

“Law enforcement agencies across the National Capital Region are aware of plans for a series of truck convoys arriving in Washington, DC around the time of the State of the Union.As with any demonstration, the USCP will facilitate lawful First Amendment activity. The USCP is closely coordinating with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, including DC’s Metropolitan Police Department, the United States Park Police, the United States Secret Service and other allied agencies to include the DC National Guard.” – The United States Capitol Police

—–UPDATE—–

Here is additional information to address numerous inquiries we have received this evening: 

“The United States Capitol Police and the United States Secret Service have been closely working together to plan for the upcoming State of the Union.  The temporary inner-perimeter fence is part of those ongoing discussions and remains an option, however at this time no decision has been made.” – The United States Capitol Police 

February 8, 2022 

Press Release

Chief Manger’s Statement about the Congressman’s Complaint

This morning a U.S. Representative complained about one of our vigilant officers. Chief Manger stands by his officer.

“The United States Capitol Police is sworn to protect Members of Congress. If a Member’s office is left open and unsecured, without anyone inside the office, USCP officers are directed to document that and secure the office to ensure nobody can wander in and steal or do anything else nefarious. The weekend before Thanksgiving, one of our vigilant officers spotted the Congressman’s door was wide open. That Monday, USCP personnel personally followed up with the Congressman’s staff and determined no investigation or further action of any kind was needed. No case investigation was ever initiated or conducted into the Representative or his staff.” – U.S. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger 

Previous USCP Arrestee Stopped near the U.S. Supreme Court

February 3, 2022 Press Release
At approximately 9:00 am, United States Capitol Police agents spotted Dale Paul Melvin in front of the U.S. Supreme Court.

On October 5, 2021, the USCP had previously arrested the 55-year-old for Failure to Obey a Police Officer and Assault on a Police Officer after he illegally parked in front of the Court and caused a major disruption to the Capitol campus and the community. The case is still pending with the United States Attorney’s Office.

After Mr. Melvin’s car was spotted in front of the U.S. Supreme Court today, as a safety precaution, the USCP closed off the area.

“Our officers and agents are focused on our critical mission,” said USCP Chief Tom Manger. “I applaud them for their keen observation and for not taking any chances when it comes to safety and security.”

Our agents also noticed concerning language on a public social media account believed to belong to Mr. Melvin that related to his presence at the U.S. Supreme Court.

After some discussion, Melvin agreed to leave the area. He was not arrested.

The USCP is continuing to investigate.

—————CORRECTION 02/04/2022————-

We corrected the age above. The release originally said 58-year-old.

The Chief of Police is responsible for administering the Department in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, and ensuring that organizational objectives are met.  The Chief reports directly to the Capitol Police Board and is assisted in the management of the Department by the Assistant Chiefs of Police and the Chief Administrative Officer.  These leaders collectively are recognized as the United States Capitol Police Executive Team, the highest-level management team within the Department.

J. Thomas Manger
Chief of Police

Chief Manger was sworn in as Chief of Police on July 23, 2021.  He has served 42 years in the policing profession, including more than two decades as Chief of Police for two of the largest police agencies in the National Capital Region. Most recently, he was Chief of Police in Montgomery County, Maryland, from 2004 to 2019.  He also served as Police Chief in Fairfax County, Virginia, from 1998 to 2004.  His leadership in regional law enforcement initiatives is extensive.   

After graduating from the University of Maryland, Manger began his law enforcement career in January 1977, when he was sworn in as a Fairfax County police officer.  He rose through the ranks to become Chief of Police.  He received numerous awards in Fairfax County, including the Silver Medal of Valor in 1993.

During his career as police chief in Montgomery County, Manger received several national awards, including the 2007 Law Enforcement Award from the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, the 2016 Gorowitz Institute Service Award from the Anti-Defamation League, and the 2018 FBI National Executive Institute Associates Penrith Award.  Manger was also inducted into the Montgomery County Human Rights Hall of Fame in 2012.

In 2018, Washingtonian magazine recognized Manger as one of the Washingtonians of the Year.  He also serves on the Cardinal’s Child Safety Advisory Board for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C.

Elected by his peers to national leadership positions, Manger served from 2014 to 2018 as President of the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA), and from 2013 to 2017 as Vice President of the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF).

Assistant Chief of Police for Uniformed Operations

Yogananda D. Pittman
Assistant Chief of Police for Protective and Intelligence Operations

Assistant Chief Pittman has served as Assistant Chief for Protective and Intelligence Operations since October 2019.  In that role, she is responsible for all operations concerning the safety and security of the U.S. Capitol, Members of Congress, staff and visitors to include threat detection and prevention as well as the physical security systems throughout the Capitol Complex.Prior to her promotion to Assistant Chief, she was named Deputy Chief and Bureau Commander for the Command and Coordination Bureau in June 2018.  In that role she was responsible for the supervision of personnel and the management of key operations within the Department including the Command Center, communications/dispatch, court liaison, reports processing, emergency planning, and special events.  From January 8, through July 22, 2021, she served as Acting Chief of Police.

Assistant Chief Pittman joined the USCP and entered the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Academy in Glynco, Georgia; graduating in September 2001.  Her first USCP assignment was in the Senate Division where she provided security and protective details for U.S. Senators and visiting dignitaries.  In 2006, she was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and was assigned to the Department’s Communications Division. In January 2010, she was promoted to Lieutenant and was assigned to the House Division where she supervised 142 officers, 10 supervisors, and several civilian employees. 

In 2012, Assistant Chief Pittman was one of the first African-American female supervisors to attain the rank of Captain.  While serving as Captain, she was assigned to the Capitol Division where she supervised more than 400 officers and civilians, and led the efforts to provide the security footprint for the 2013 Presidential Inauguration.  Captain Pittman served as the sworn personnel lead representative/negotiator during the Department’s 2013 contract negotiations on the Teamsters Collective Bargaining Agreement.  In December 2015, Assistant Chief Pittman was promoted to Inspector, and was assigned to the Office of Accountability and Improvement where she was the Chief of Police’s designee in responding to all of the Department’s civilian and sworn disciplinary appeals and grievances. 

A native of Cambridge, Maryland, Assistant Chief Pittman graduated from Morgan State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in 1999.  She earned her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York, in May 2019. She is currently working toward her Ph.D. in Public Administration from West Chester University. 

Assistant Chief Pittman completed the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy in December 2018, and graduated from the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives’ CEO Mentoring Program in July 2018.  She is a member of Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE), the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA), the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, and Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority Incorporated.

Richard L. Braddock
Chief Administrative Officer

Mr. Richard L. Braddock has over 25 years of federal service, with a particular emphasis on government administrative operations. Since joining the U.S. Capitol Police in 2004, Mr. Braddock has served in a number of roles, to include: Chief of Staff, Acting Chief Administrative Officer, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, and Executive Officer for the Office of Administration.

Mission

Protect the Congress – its Members, employees, visitors, and facilities – so it can fulfill its constitutional and legislative responsibilities in a safe, secure and open environment.

Vision

To be nationally recognized as a results-oriented law enforcement agency that demonstrates the highest standards of professionalism, security, safety, and management.

Values

The USCP’s core values define our common beliefs and behavior as well as how we conduct ourselves in our work and interactions: Professionalism, Pride, and Effectiveness.

History

The United States Capitol Police (USCP) dates back to 1800 when the Congress moved from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C. A lone watchman, John Golding, was hired to protect the Capitol Building. After a number of incidents occurred in 1827 that could have been prevented with sufficient security and surveillance, President John Quincy Adams asked that a regular Capitol Police force be established.

On May 2, 1828, Congress passed an Act that expanded the police regulations of the City of Washington to include the Capitol and Capitol Square. It is on this date that the USCP commemorates its founding.

USCP circa 1900With the passage of this Act, Congress brought the responsibility of policing the Capitol under the direction of the presiding officer of the House and Senate, and empowered the Capitol watchmen with full law enforcement authorities. The new force consisted of a captain and three men who worked fifteen-hour shifts when Congress was in session and ten-hour shifts at all other times. Their area of authority did not exceed the neighboring walks and streets adjacent to the Capitol Building.

The responsibility of the Capitol Police was transferred from the Commissioner of Public Buildings to the Sergeants at Arms for the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate in 1867. In 1873, the Capitol Police Board was established, and the Architect of the Capitol was added to the Board.

By 1935, the Capitol Grounds footprint was expanded to 126 acres. As a result, the head of the Department requested additional officers to augment the 132-man force, which consisted of men ranging from 19 to 75 years old. The Captain of Police also asked to adopt the same standards held by the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia (MPD), and Congress authorized the Capitol Police Board to establish specific qualification requirements. The Act of July 31, 1946, recodified the earlier authorities and responsibilities of the Department in one Act and formed the fundamental basis for the statutory authorities and responsibilities of the Department and Capitol Police Board to such an extent that subsequent authorities generally have been conferred as amendments to this Act.

In 1974, the Department’s first female Capitol Police officers were hired, thereby providing new opportunities for women wanting law enforcement careers. In 1979, President Jimmy Carter signed Public Law No. 96152, establishing a chief of police for the United States Capitol Police. The role had previously been held by MPD Captains and Assistant Chiefs in an ex-officio capacity. Public Law No. 96152 was the catalyst for the Department’s transition into the modern era.

The USCP expanded its force after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and again following the historic merger with the Library of Congress Police in 2009. Currently, the Department has an authorized sworn strength of more than 2,000. In addition to the sworn members of the force, the Department has over 350 civilian personnel who provide operational and administrative support. The USCP’s diverse workforce is comprised of employees from nearly all 50 states and the U.S. territories.

Today, the USCP embodies the best in American policing and serves as a model in security, urban crime prevention, dignitary protection, specialty response capabilities, and homeland security. We proudly protect the legislative process, the symbol of our democracy, the people who carry out the process, and the millions of visitors who travel here to see democracy in action each day. Acting on the world stage in an open environment and ensuring that each interaction we have leaves a lasting impression that is reflective of the Legislative Branch is an essential part of our values and is critical to achieving our mission.
The Department

Our Mission
Our History
Executive Team
Office of Inspector General
Bureaus and Offices
Oversight
USCP Department Strategic Plan
Human Capital Strategic Plan
Accreditation

United States Capitol Police
119 D Street, NE
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-1677
USCapitolPolice@uscp.gov

Loss of USCP Officer Brian D. Sicknick

January 7, 2021 Press Release

At approximately 9:30 p.m. this evening (January 7, 2021), United States Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick passed away due to injuries sustained while on-duty. 

Officer Sicknick was responding to the riots on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol and was injured while physically engaging with protesters.  He returned to his division office and collapsed.  He was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.  The death of Officer Sicknick will be investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch, the USCP, and our federal partners. 

Officer Sicknick joined the USCP in July 2008, and most recently served in the Department’s First Responder’s Unit. 

The entire USCP Department expresses its deepest sympathies to Officer Sicknick’s family and friends on their loss, and mourns the loss of a friend and colleague. 

We ask that Officer Sicknick’s family, and other USCP officers’ and their families’ privacy be respected during this time.

# # #
 

STATEMENT FROM THE FAMILY OF U.S. CAPITOL POLICE OFFICER BRIAN D. SICKNICK
January 11, 2021

There really aren’t enough kind words in any language to describe how sweet Brian was.  He was truly a lovely, humble soul. We are missing him terribly.

He was sweet natured through and through.  Everyone who met him adored him.  He also loved his dachshunds dearly, spoiling them, and ensuring they got the best care possible.

He loved his job with the U.S. Capitol Police, and was very passionate about it.  He also had an incredible work ethic.  He was very serious about showing up to work on time and refused to call out sick unless absolutely necessary. 

Our loss of Brian will leave a large hole in our hearts. 

The tremendous support we have received from the U.S. Capitol Police, the law enforcement community, and the community as a whole has been overwhelmingly warm and generous.  We’re very grateful for everyone’s kindness during this difficult time. 

We will have no further statements and will not be granting media interviews.  We ask that our family’s privacy be respected during this time. 

# # #

Off-duty Death of USCP Officer Howard Liebengood

January 10, 2021 Press Release

The United States Capitol Police is deeply saddened by the off-duty death on January 9, 2021, of Officer Howard Liebengood, age 51.  He was assigned to the Senate Division, and has been with the Department since April 2005.   Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and colleagues.