Capitol police inspector general Michael Bolton plans to say Tuesday that on Jan. 6, rioters stole 12 ballistic vests and 12 ballistic helmets that had been strategically placed around the Capitol in case of an emergency.
The revelation is part of Bolton’s prepared remarks, which he plans to deliver Tuesday afternoon before the House Administration Committee.
“A Department official stated on January 6, 2021, that FRU was tasked with their regular duties and was not provided with any precautionary information,” he wrote of the Capitol police first responders unit. “After FRU officers retreated as a result of the violent rioters, those ballistic vests and helmets were stolen.”
His testimony and summary of his newest “flash report” paint a picture of poor training and a lack of resources, leaving officers unprepared for the violent mob that overtook the Capitol on Jan. 6.
In one standout passage, Bolton details how the officers, lacking training facilities, go to private companies for marksmanship training. One of them, Northern Red, advertises with the slogan: “For those who have hunted armed men training is never the same.”
“While some of the content could have multiple meanings, their use at Department provided training could lead employees to feel unsafe or uncomfortable,” Bolton wrote in his testimony.
While Bolton testifies before the House Administration Committee at 2 p.m., FBI Director Christopher Wray will be appearing before the House Oversight Committee for another Jan. 6 hearing. He will be joined by two Army officials who participated in planning for the influx of Trump supporters. Acting Capitol police chief Yogananda Pittman was invited but opted out, causing some pre-hearing drama.
Documents released ahead of the Oversight hearing show officials at the Pentagon continually telling the National Guard to stand by, even while the attack unfolded.
