Dear Brother Pemberton,
I am writing to express our profound thanks and gratitude for the heroic actions of your members, who came to assist the officers of the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) in defense of the Capitol complex.
We watched in horror as the events of 6 January played out on television screens around the world as a violent mob, determined to enter the heart of American democracy, attacked USCP personnel. The flag of the United States literally became a weapon in the hands of these riotous individuals who used it to strike officers, break windows and pry open doors. Once these criminals breached the building, they went on to vandalize and damage this sacred space and Members’ offices as well as imperil the lives of law enforcement officers, elected officials and staff.
In this chaotic swarm, the officers of the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) rushed to the aid of their brother and sister officers. They answered the call of duty and we are proud of them and grateful for their service.
We recognize we have more to learn about this incident and that the MPD, along with other Federal agencies and the USCP, are still investigating. Recent reports indicate that more than 80 suspects have been arrested and approximately 150 are being investigated. We look forward to seeing these criminals prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
On behalf of the more than 356,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, please convey our heartfelt thanks to all the FOP members of the MPD and let them know that they will never walk alone. If I can be of any help, please do not hesitate to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in our Washington office.
Fraternally,
Patrick Yoes
National President