Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/For The Washington Post via Getty Images
- Rep. Greg Stanton of Arizona is set to propose a bill that would require US Capitol Police officers to wear body cameras while on duty, the Hill reported.
- “For the safety of our Capitol Police officers, the public, and everyone who works in the Capitol complex, it’s imperative that officers utilize body-worn cameras while on duty,” Stanton said in a statement on Monday.
- The announcement comes in wake of last week’s attempted coup at the US Capitol building that has resulted in five deaths.
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A House Democrat announced his plan to introduce a bill this week calling for US Capitol Police officers to wear body cameras while on the job following last week’s insurrection, The Hill reported.
“For the safety of our Capitol Police officers, the public, and everyone who works in the Capitol complex, it’s imperative that officers utilize body-worn cameras while on duty. Last week’s armed insurrection against our government and breach of the United States Capitol building stunned the world, and we have a lot to learn about what went wrong,” Rep. Greg Stanton of Arizona said in a statement on Monday.
Stanton said body camera footage could’ve contributed to the investigation in identifying the suspects involved in the riot.
“But I’m certain that the investigation-and the process to hold those responsible to account-would be much more thorough if aided by footage from body cameras,” the statement said.
—Rep. Greg Stanton (@RepGregStanton) January 11, 2021
Last week, pro-Trump supporters stormed and breached the US Capitol building while Congress was certifying election results, forcing lawmakers to go on lockdown and evacuate the chamber.
The attack came following President Donald Trump's false claims that he won the election over President-elect Joe Biden - who Congress ultimately certified as the winner when members reconvened after the insurrection.
Five people have died as a result of the riot, including US Capitol Police officer Brian D. Sicknick. An off-duty Capitol Police officer also died a few days later of an apparent suicide.
As Insider reported, a few Capitol officers were suspended and more are under investigation for their actions during the siege as some were caught on camera taking selfies with rioters.