U.S. Capitol Police

1 pm EST UPDATE: The exercise is finished. Thank you!

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EXERCISE: This morning we will be conducting an active shooter training exercise on the East Front of the U.S. Capitol. Please do not be alarmed if you see emergency vehicles, large numbers of police officers, or hear simulated gunshots used for training purposes.

Today, in United States District Court in Washington, D.C., 37-year-old David Dempsey was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in the January 6, 2021, violence at the United States Capitol. Dempsey had previously pleaded guilty to two felony counts of assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers with a deadly weapon on January 4, 2024.

United States Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger said, “David Dempsey was one of the most violent participants and at times lead parts of the assaults on multiple officers who were protecting the Capitol that day. We thank the FBI, the Department of Justice, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their work in investigating and prosecuting this case.”

January 6 Defendant Sentenced to 20 Years: https://shorturl.at/4YiZV

Yesterday we brought in trained and equipped law enforcement officers from our partner agencies to assist us in securing the Joint Meeting of Congress. We worked together to hold the police line to ensure the Legislative Branch could do their work and protect the U.S. Capitol Grounds. Thank you!

Yesterday we brought in trained and equipped law enforcement officers from our partner agencies to assist us in securing the Joint Meeting of Congress. We worked together to hold the police line to ensure the Legislative Branch could do their work and protect the U.S. Capitol Grounds. Thank you all for your help!

For safety reasons, we are closing these roads on Capitol Grounds ahead of the Prime Minister of Israel's address to a Joint Meeting of Congress.

Since we were notified of the Prime Minister’s visit, our Department has been working around the clock with our federal, state, and local partners. For safety reasons, we cannot provide specific security details, but generally the plan includes adding more officers – including from several outside agencies – continuing robust intelligence sharing with our law enforcement partners and ensuring there are plenty of resources for our teams.

We anticipate a lot of demonstrators to show up. The United States Capitol Police respects everyone’s First Amendment rights, however all demonstrations must be done peacefully and legally. It is illegal to cross an established police line, such as the bike rack barriers that we use around Capitol Grounds.

If you are in the area — looking for a rewarding job with great pay and federal benefits — come check us out on Saturday!

HEADS UP: This morning, there will be a low-flying helicopter around the U.S. Capitol for a routine photography flight.

Have a great day!

We hope everyone had a safe and happy 4th of July!

WEATHER ALERT: A thunderstorm is heading toward the U.S. Capitol. If you are here for the
A Capitol Fourth, please follow the direction of our officers. In the meantime, we are temporarily stopping entry screening because of the likelihood of severe weather.

Updates on X.

------6:28 p.m. UPDATE--------

The thunderstorm has cleared the area near the U.S. Capitol. We will start re-opening entry screening to the West Front for A Capitol Fourth. Big thanks to our officers who escorted everyone to shelter.

The concert is still expected to start at 8:00 p.m. EST.

Happy ! 🇺🇸

Today will be hot.

Please bring plenty of water if you plan to come to A Capitol Fourth at the U.S. Capitol. 🇺🇸

——-8:42am UPDATE——

This Boil Water Advisory was just lifted and the water is determined to be safe.

DC Water issued a Boil Water Advisory today for all customers in the District of Columbia, as well as the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery and Reagan National Airport, due to a drop in water supply from the Washington Aqueduct. To read full info visit dcwater.com/BWadvisory

On Thursday, July 4, A Capitol Fourth -- an Independence Day concert -- will be live from the West Front of the United States Capitol. The concert will be broadcast on PBS at 8:00 p.m. EST and streaming online to honor our country’s birthday.

There is also a dress rehearsal on July 3. Both events are free and open to the public.

On July 3 and July 4, public access to the West Front opens at 3:00 p.m.

Security Measures, Severe Weather, & Prohibited Items

The United States Capitol Police (USCP) and concert staff closely monitor the weather. Any changes due to severe weather will be announced to the public via the USCP’s official social media sites and through the local press. Please follow the directions of the USCP if there is an evacuation.

Additional security will be in place to ensure everyone’s safety. Anyone attending events on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol must go through security screening before entering the area. This will include a search of all bags, coolers, backpacks, and closed containers.

For this event, food items and beach/camp chairs that sit low to the ground are allowed. Temperatures could exceed 90 degrees. All guests should plan to bring an ample supply of water to help ensure a safe July 4th!

The following items are prohibited:

- Alcoholic beverages
- Glass bottles
- Animals (other than service animals)
- Bicycles and motorized scooters of any kind (devices required for accessibility (ADA) will be accommodated)
- Fi****ms and ammunitions (either real or simulated)
- Explosives of any kind, including fireworks
- Knives, blades or sharp objects of any length
- Laser pointers, signs, posters
- Mace, pepper spray
- Sticks, poles
- Electric stun guns
- Martial arts weapons or devices
- Umbrellas larger than 36” in diameter (umbrellas smaller than 36” will be allowed)
- Pocket or hand tools such as a “Leatherman”
- Sealed packages, large boxes, duffle bags, suitcases
- Drones, model rockets, remote or manually-controlled model gliders, model airplanes or unmanned aircrafts, model boats and/or cars, and other unmanned ground or aircraft systems

Other items may also be prohibited at the discretion of the security screeners.

Road Closures, Parking Restrictions, & Tour Bus Relocation

Friday, June 21 – Monday, July 1

Road Closure

First Street between Peace Circle, NW, and Garfield Circle, SW, will have the following restrictions:

One way traffic northbound from 6:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
One way traffic southbound from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m.

Monday, July 1 at 8:00 p.m. – Friday, July 5 at 4:00 a.m.

Road Closures

First Street between Constitution Avenue, NW, and Independence Avenue, SW
Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd Street, NW, and First Street, NW
Maryland Avenue between 3rd Street, SW, and First Street, SW

Wednesday, July 3, and Thursday, July 4, 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

ADA Parking

Both sides of Louisiana Avenue between Constitution Avenue, NW, and First Street, NW
Both sides of First Street between Constitution Avenue, NW, and Louisiana Avenue, NW

Tour Bus Relocation

Tour buses will be rerouted to Union Station

All road closures are expected to end by Friday, July 5, at 4:00 a.m. with the exception of:

First Street between Peace Circle, NW, and Garfield Circle, SW, that will have the following directional and time restrictions for disassembly from Friday July 5, through Sunday July 7.

One way traffic northbound from 6:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
One way traffic southbound from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m.

We heard today was National Take Your Dog to Work Day… which for us, is every day (subtle flex)! 🐾

On Juneteenth we continue to focus on building a just and inclusive world.

Like father like son! During our recent recruit graduation, Officer Jimmy Santana did something he had waited a long time for. It was time for him to pin a badge on his son, Officer Elijah Santana, who officially began his journey with the USCP. Officer Elijah Santana says "It feels surreal. Growing up my dad was my biggest supporter while I played baseball. Now for the first time ever, we get to be on the same team, wear the same uniform, and support each other. Getting to have my father as a teammate gives me a chance to learn a lot more as I grow within each part of the Department and build a family of friendships just like he did." 💙

The American flag is a strong symbol of freedom across our great nation. Happy Flag Day!

Last year, a family got into a bike accident on Capitol Hill. For months, the mother has been trying to get her daughters back on their bikes after they witnessed the accident.

It wasn't until today that the girls decided to give biking to school a try again when they learned that the USCP would be next to them every pedal.

The girls were all smiles when they safely arrived at school and are now more confident than ever to ride their bikes in public again! 👏

Our team worked hard to protect everyone who enjoyed the Memorial Day Concert at the U.S. Capitol recently! Looking to be a part of something greater than yourself? Join the USCP by clicking on the link in our bio to start your adventure today.

❤

On Sunday, May 26, the National Memorial Day Concert will be broadcast live from the West Front of the United States Capitol on PBS and streaming online to honor our servicemen and women, their families, and all of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

There is also a dress rehearsal at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, that is open to the public. Gates open at 5:00 p.m.

Weather, Security, & Prohibited Items

The U.S. Capitol Police and concert staff closely monitor the weather. If severe weather occurs, changes to the concert schedule will be announced to the public. If there is an evacuation, please follow U.S. Capitol Police direction.

Anyone who attends events on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol must go through security screening before entering the event area. This includes an administrative search of all bags, coolers, backpacks, and closed containers.

For this event, food items and beach/camp chairs that sit low to the ground are allowed. Guests are encouraged to bring their own water.

The following items are prohibited.

- Weapons of any kind
- Alcoholic beverages
- Glass bottles
- Animals (other than service animals)
- Bicycles and motorized scooters of any kind (devices required for accessibility (ADA) will be accommodated)
- Fi****ms and ammunitions (either real or simulated)
- Explosives of any kind, including fireworks
- Knives, blades or sharp objects of any length
- Laser pointers, signs, posters
- Mace, pepper spray
- Sticks, poles
- Electric stun guns
- Martial arts weapons or devices
- Umbrellas larger 36” in diameter (those smaller than 36” will be allowed)
- Pocket or hand tools, such as a “Leatherman”
- Sealed packages, large boxes, duffle bags, suitcases
- Drones, model rockets, remote or manually-controlled model gliders, model airplanes or unmanned aircrafts, model boats and/or cars, and other unmanned ground or aircraft systems
- Other items that may pose a threat to the security of the event as determined by and at the discretion of the security screeners

Road Closures & Parking Impacts

To ensure everyone’s safety, the following road closures and parking restrictions will be in place around U.S. Capitol Grounds through Monday, May 27.

Thursday, May 23, at 8:00 p.m. – Monday, May 27, at 4:00 a.m.

Road Closures & Parking Restrictions

First Street between Constitution Avenue, NW, and Independence Avenue, SW
Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd Street, NW, and First Street, NW
Maryland Avenue between 3rd Street, SW, and First Street, SW

Tour Bus Traffic Restriction

Tour buses will be relocated to Union Station

Saturday, May 25, and Sunday, May 26, between 5:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.

ADA Parking

Both sides of Louisiana Avenue between Constitution Avenue, NW, and First Street, NW
Both sides of First Street between Constitution Avenue, NW, and Louisiana Avenue, NW

All road closures and parking restrictions are expected to be lifted on Monday, May 27 at 7:00 p.m.

As we wrap up National Police Week 2024, let us never forget our brothers and sisters in law enforcement who died in the line of duty protecting and serving their communities. Thank you to all officers who put their lives on the line every day. 💙

The United States Capitol Police (USCP) is investigating a roughly one-inch by one-inch zip lock bag with a white powdery substance, which field tested positive for co***ne.

The small bag was found on the floor of a hallway inside USCP headquarters. The hallway is on the second floor in an area that has been a staging spot for furniture and supplies. The area is heavily trafficked by various contractors and employees. It is also near offices such as Prisoner Processing, Crime Scene, Intel and Reports Processing.

The baggie was found in the middle of the floor just before 1:00 p.m. by an officer, who immediately reported it to a supervisor. The residue was field tested and came back positive for co***ne. The USCP Investigations Division has opened an investigation, which will include further testing of the residue, as well as DNA testing of the baggie. We will provide more information when it becomes available.

The Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service will be held on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15. This ceremony honors law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty.

Street Closures & Bus Restrictions

To ensure everyone’s safety during the event, the following roads will be closed tonight through 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15:

First Street between Constitution Avenue, NW and Independence Avenue, SW
Pennsylvania Avenue between First Street, NW and 3rd Street, NW
Maryland Avenue between First Street, SW and 3rd Street, SW

During the same time period, tour buses will be rerouted to Union Station for passenger loading and unloading.

Law Enforcement Personnel

Armed law enforcement personnel in uniforms are required to present two (2) forms of government issued identification, one of which must be their issued local, state, or federal law enforcement identification.

Armed law enforcement in plainclothes are required to present two (2) forms of government issued identification, one of which must be their issued local, state, or federal law enforcement identification. Their police badge or shield must be worn on the outermost layer of clothing and visible at all times.

Retired law enforcement officers are not permitted to be armed and are encouraged to secure their weapons prior to coming to the event.

The entrances for attendees will be at 3rd Street and Maryland Avenue, SW, and 3rd Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.

Prohibited Items

The following items will be prohibited from entering through the screening points:

- Weapons of any kind
- Aerosols
- Air horns
- Alcohol
- Ammunition
- Animals (other than service animals)
- Backpacks
- Bags exceeding 18” x 14” x 8.5”
- Balloons
- Bicycles
- Chairs (other than those for disabled persons)
- Coolers
- Drones and other unmanned ground or aircraft systems
- Explosives of any kind (including fireworks)
- Fi****ms
- Glass and metal containers
- Thermoses
- Knives, blades, or sharp objects (of any length)
- Laser pointers
- Mace and/or pepper spray
- Packages
- Pocket or hand tools, such as “Leatherman”
- Selfie sticks
- Strollers
- Structures such as folding tables, canopies and tents
- Signs or supports for signs exceeding 5x3x1 made of any material except cardboard, poster board or cloth
- Toy guns
- Umbrellas larger 36” in diameter (those smaller than 36” will be allowed)
- Other items that may pose a threat to the security of the event as determined by and at the discretion of the security screeners.

Last week we had our fourth recruit officer class graduation of 2024, with another graduation coming next week. Congratulations to all of our new recruits and thank you to everyone in our Department who has helped them cross the finishing line.

Apply to join one of our upcoming classes here: https://www.uscp.gov/careers

Happy Mother's Day!

Every year we hold a memorial service to honor the United States Capitol Police officers who died in the line of duty. It is our most sacred event. Let us never forget our fallen brothers and always keep their families in our hearts.

This May, USCP's Hazardous Devices Section (HDS) celebrates its 50th anniversary since its founding. For 50 years, the USCP technicians, also known as our Bomb Squad, have kept the U.S. Capitol building and the Congressional community safe. Thank you HDS!

A lot has changed since the 1800s! Happy Birthday USCP! 🎂🎈