A Black Woman Is Named U.S. Capitol Police Acting Chief Following Riot

Following the Wednesday riot, the policing within the U.S. Capitol was bound to have some administrative change.

Announced by Capitol Police Thursday, former Chief Steven Sund turned in his resignation and had plans to be done on the 16th. However, according to News4, he has already departed, and the Capitol has already found his replacement.

Assistant Chief Yogananda Pittman, a black female, has been named the acting chief. She will be leaving her role as Assistant Chief for Protective and Intelligence Operations.

Pittman joined the department in 2001, and according to NBC Washington,  she moved through the ranks fast. According to the Capitol website, “Pittman was one of the first African-American female supervisors to attain the rank of captain.”

Sund was not the only member of the police board to resign. According to NBC Washington, Senator Mitch McConnell asked for and received the resignation of Sergeant-at-Arms of the Senate Michael Stenger effective immediately. He is being replaced by Jennifer Hemingway, who is also serving as the new acting head of the board.

Paul Irving, the longtime Sergeant-at-Arms of the House, also resigned.

J. Brett Blanton, Architect of the Capitol, is the only board member who remained in his seat.