Today, Explained

How security at the Capitol failed

Jan 8, 2021
Dan Lamothe, a national security reporter for the Washington Post, dives into the catastrophic security failures during the Capitol breach. He discusses the flawed security plan crafted by various agencies and the alarming lack of preparedness despite prior warnings. The chaotic response highlights troubling inconsistencies in law enforcement behavior, raising questions about accountability. Lamothe paints a vivid picture of disarray, contrasting the Capitol's response to past missions, stressing the need for reform in security protocols.
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INSIGHT

DC Security Complexity

  • The District of Columbia has a complex security apparatus with overlapping jurisdictions.
  • This includes Capitol Police, Park Police, D.C. Police, and Pentagon Police, creating coordination challenges.
ANECDOTE

June 2020 Protests Response

  • The June 2020 Black Lives Matter protests saw a massive National Guard deployment in D.C.
  • This included a mix of police, prison guards, and unidentified forces, raising concerns about militarization.
INSIGHT

Limited January 6th Response

  • The January 6th Capitol security response was limited, possibly due to overcorrection from the June protests.
  • Only 340 D.C. National Guard members were activated, primarily for traffic control, reflecting D.C.'s opposition to a heavy military presence.
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