Park Police Officers Worried Chronic Understaffing Could Endanger the Public

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Faire Comments Retweeted

NEW w/
@bri_sacks
: On the day of the Capitol riot, US Park Police staff were also overwhelmed by protesters. Some had to take cover in the Washington Monument. Records and interviews show they've understaffed and under resourced for yrs

Link to tweet

[soothsayer]

1. Well here's what they did wrong. Permit was for 5,000

Even when it swelled to 15,000, they decided not to step in.

I blame them a bit, understaffed or not.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

2. I thought I read that the application was updated to permit higher attendance.

Somewhere on the 'net. I'll look.

Good morning.

{edited to add}

Here’s What We Know About the Pro-Trump Rallies That Have Permits

WRITTEN BY ANDREW BEAUJON | PUBLISHED ON JANUARY 5, 2021

It says 30,000 were expected, but there's no mention of an amended permit. I'll see what I can find.

Three demonstrations permitted by National Park Service for week of January 4

Again, the number in the permit is 5,000. All that means is that 5,000 would be permitted past the fence and onto the Ellipse. I don't think the NPS can prevent people from standing across Constitution Avenue on the grounds of the Washington Monument and WWII Memorial.

[soothsayer]

3. Hey, howdy! You are 100% right!

Numerous permits were issued in advance for pro-Trump groups to hold free speech rallies in Washington on Jan. 6, including the main one from Women For America First. That permit was originally approved by the National Park Service for 5,000 people but amended to 30,000 just a day ahead of time.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

4. I haven't found that. I'm not doubting you, but what's the source for that? Thanks. NT

[soothsayer]

5. Here -- ha, in the very thing you posted

https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/briannasacks/us-park-police-capitol-riot-understaffed

[mahatmakanejeeves]

6. D'oh. Thanks. NT

[soothsayer]

7. I didn't realize either. Need coffee and sea shanties