Updated Jan 7, 2021 - Politics & Policy

Schumer says he will fire Senate sergeant-at-arms over Capitol siege

Ursula Perano

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Thursday called for firing Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mike Stenger when Democrats take the majority in the upper chamber — if Stenger has not already resigned.

Why it matters: Lawmakers are beginning to question how Capitol law enforcement and security so utterly failed on Wednesday to keep "March for Trump" protesters from invading the U.S. Capitol as Congress was certifying the Electoral College votes for Presisdent-elect Joe Biden.

The House Appropriations Committee, which oversees funding for the Capitol police, announced on Thursday that it is reviewing the law enforcement response to Wednesday's events.
Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) on Wednesday suggested to reporters that he expects a number of people will "be without employment very, very soon," following the attacks, per Politico.

What they're saying: "If Senate Sergeant Arms Stenger hasn't vacated the position by then, I will fire him as soon as Democrats have a majority in the Senate," Schumer said in a statement.

Pelosi also called for Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund's resignation on Thursday in the wake of the incident, telling reporters that Democratic leaders had not even heard from chief Steven Sund following yesterday's siege.
She added that House Sergeant at Arms Paul Irving had given her notice that he would resign.

Editor's note: Updates with quotes from Pelosi.

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Schumer says he will fire Senate sergeant-at-arms over Capitol siege

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