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As Joe Biden‘s inauguration looms — and as many expect civil unrest — a number of the Capitol Police’s rank and file fear they won’t be supported by leadership if they have to use deadly force to protect themselves.
Capitol Police sources tell TMZ … there’s been a lot of chatter lately about officers tasked with guarding the Capitol come Wednesday and whether they’re allowed to use deadly force if push comes to shove … and if so, will they be backed by the Department?
Storyful
Our sources say the issue came up at a roll call meeting last week, where one USCP officer asked his sergeants in the room, if they find themselves in a life or death situation — like several cops did on Jan. 6 — can they do whatever it takes to save their own lives, including the use of deadly force?
And, just as important … would USCP brass have their backs in the aftermath? We’re told the answer they got was NOT reassuring — more of a wishy-washy response that catered more to optics and the need to accommodate peaceful protesters. In other words, the answer they got was vague and, many say, unhelpful.
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There’ve been several suspensions, firings and resignations from the fallout Jan. 6. Some of the rank and file feel they’ve been made scapegoats … and much of the discipline was unfair. All of this, we’re told, has negatively affected morale.
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It’s not lost on the officers that they lost one of their own during the insurrection — Brian Sicknick, who suffered a fatal injury. And, they heard the story of the officer who was dragged down Capitol steps and beaten. These cops want a clear policy on the right to use lethal force.
CNN
The clock is running out, and many of the officers are worried, scared and confused.