In a recent report, outgoing United States Capitol Police (USCP) Chief J. Thomas Manger expressed his profound disappointment over President Donald Trump's sweeping pardons of the January 6 defendants.
Manger, who is set to retire later this week, has been an outspoken critic of the Capitol riot participants and was deeply troubled by Trump's decision to pardon nearly all defendants shortly after his inauguration this year.
According to Fox News, Manger expressed his frustration, stating, "I was angry and as frustrated about that as Ive ever been professionally." Despite the discouragement, Manger remained resolute, determined to continue his mission to improve the USCP. "What it made me feel like is somebodys got to stay here and stand up for these cops," he said.
Manger took the helm of the USCP in July 2021, tasked with rebuilding the force and implementing over 100 reform recommendations to enhance security and preparedness following the Jan. 6 riot. These recommendations included expanding intelligence, training, and riot-response capabilities.
The outgoing chief has consistently condemned the attack, labeling it an "insurrection" and an assault on democracy. In contrast, Trump has referred to the imprisoned rioters as "hostages." Manger countered this narrative, stating, "Some people in this country believe January 6 wasnt that bad. My cops know what happened on January 6. They know what happened. They were here."
Manger's law enforcement career spans over four decades, beginning in 1977 with the Fairfax County Police Department in Virginia. He ascended to the role of department chief in 1998, a position he held until 2004. Manger then served as the chief of police in Montgomery County, Maryland, from 2004 until his retirement in 2019. He was appointed chief of the USCP in July 2021, succeeding Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman.
Manger's tenure was marked by significant events, including the Justice Department's agreement to pay $5 million to the family of Ashli Babbitt, a former Air Force veteran who was shot dead during the Capitol Riot. Manger expressed his disappointment in a message to his departments officers, stating, "This settlement sends a chilling message to law enforcement officers across our nation especially those who have a protective mission like ours," as reported by the Washington Post.
In December 2022, the USCP received the Congressional Gold Medal the highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress for their bravery on Jan. 6, 2021. Manger accepted the honor on behalf of the department.
The USCP's history dates back to 1800, when Congress moved from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., and hired a single watchman, John Golding, to protect the Capitol Building. After several security incidents in 1827, President John Quincy Adams requested the establishment of a regular Capitol Police force. On May 2, 1828, Congress passed an act expanding the police regulations of the City of Washington to include the Capitol and Capitol Square, marking the official founding of the USCP.
As Manger prepares to retire, his legacy of commitment to law enforcement and dedication to the protection of democracy remains. His tenure, marked by both challenges and triumphs, underscores the importance of steadfast leadership in the face of adversity.
Login