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Capitol Police denies Rep. Lofgren's claim officers focused only on anti-Trump protesters in riot

The force purportedly says in a letter the lawmaker's interpretation of the call is "lacking full and necessary context."

Published: April 23, 2021 7:30am

Updated: April 23, 2021 4:32pm

U.S. Capitol Police is refuting a statement made by California Democrat Rep. Zoe Lofgren that officers were focused only on anti-Trump protesters during the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

Lofgren, chairwoman of the House Administration Committee, which has oversight of the police force, said during a hearing Wednesday that a Capitol Police radio transmission made on the morning of the riot told officers to watch for anti-Trump protesters.

"The radio call has been misquoted and is lacking full and necessary context," Capitol Police said in an unsigned statement obtained by Politico Wednesday night. "The radio call does not mean USCP was only looking out for anti-Trump counter-protesters. The next radio transmission requests that officers be on the lookout for a pro-Trump protester carrying a possible weapon."

The department said the first radio call was broadcast because of reports of possible violent clashes between pro and anti-Trump protesters near the Capitol, as had happened at previous events. 

A Lofgren aide argued the statement proved the point that the force was more focused on anti-Trump protesters fighting pro-Trump supporters than grasping the larger intelligence about the potential for a massive breach, which happen that afternoon. 

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