Acceptable Resolution Sought For Capitol Police, Member of Congress Dispute - March 31, 2006

ACCEPTABLE RESOLUTION SOUGHT FOR DISPUTE BETWEEN CAPITOL POLICE AND MEMBER OF CONGRESS
March 31, 2006

Washington, DC—Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) said today that she was concerned about the escalation of the dispute regarding a U.S. Capitol Police officer who alleges he was assaulted by Representative Cynthia McKinney (D-GA), and hoped that a solution satisfactory to both parties could be found. It is inappropriate to intervene into a formal criminal investigation, but in her role as D.C.’s congressional representative, who has worked closely with the Capitol Police, Norton spoke by phone with the Sergeant at Arms ­­­­­­­­­­Wilson Livingood and Acting Police Chief Chris McGaffin to seek information on the matter this afternoon. The Sergeant-at-Arms is not involved because a formal police investigation is underway. Acting Police Chief McGaffin took Norton through the steps that the Department follows when a complaint is filed and said that the procedures being used are by the book and the same that are used whenever such a complaint is filed. However, he said that normally a police officer who alleges an assault, instead, would use his probable cause arrest authority.

Norton said that the incident was particularly unfortunate for both parties. Members of Congress are usually recognized by Capitol Police officers and therefore go through metal detectors without wearing their identifying pins, and the Capitol Police usually have a reputation for courtesy to the public. The situation calls for a sensible resolution, perhaps through some third party intervention, Norton said. The procedure underway depends upon a successful referral to the U.S. Attorney. The U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia is also the local district attorney. With a full roster of violent crimes to prosecute, big city D.A.’s rarely bring simple assault prosecutions. However, Norton has not spoken with the U.S. Attorney because it would be inappropriate.

Norton praised Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi for her balanced comments and said she was surprised that some Republicans had made political comments. “No one benefits from disputes between the police whom citizens depend upon for security and protection and the people the police are sworn to protect,” Norton said. She said she believed the most responsible and useful course for all involved would be to seek a resolution that would be satisfactory to both parties.