US Capitol Police Initiate Investigation After Cocaine Found
The United States Capitol Police (USCP) is launching an investigation after a small bag of cocaine was discovered inside its headquarters. The discovery was made by an officer just before 1 p.m. on Wednesday and was immediately reported to a supervisor.
The investigation was launched after a "roughly one-inch by one-inch zip lock bag with a small amount of a white powdery substance" was found on the floor in an area that is heavily trafficked by employees and various contractors. The substance was field tested and was confirmed to be cocaine by police.
The USCP headquarters are located a few blocks away from the Capitol building on D Street and Second Street, and not in the same building. The area where the bag was found is used as a staging spot for furniture and supplies and is routinely visited by employees and contractors.
In response to the discovery, USCP has opened an investigation and will be conducting further testing, including DNA testing on the bag. They have also stated that they will provide more information as it becomes available.
Last July, the Secret Service confirmed that they had also found cocaine at the White House. However, this incident is not connected to the recent discovery at the USCP headquarters. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that the cocaine was found in a well-traveled area where West Wing tours had taken place in the days prior.
At the time of the discovery, President Biden was not at the White House. The bag was found near where visitors are asked to leave their cellphones on part of the West Wing tour.
U.S. Capitol Police are trying to figure out who brought a bag of cocaine into their headquarters after it was found on the flood of a hallway. pic.twitter.com/YZUqqxLzk0
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) May 16, 2024
The USCP has faced increased scrutiny in recent months after the January 6th insurrection at the Capitol building. In a recent report, it was revealed that the department had numerous security failures on that day, including a lack of preparation and faulty equipment.
The discovery of cocaine inside the USCP headquarters has raised questions about the culture and discipline within the department. It also raises concerns about the potential for substance abuse among employees who are responsible for protecting the Capitol building and its occupants.
Representative Tim Ryan, the chairman of the House subcommittee that oversees the USCP, released a statement expressing his concern about the incident. He stated that “the discovery of cocaine at the USCP headquarters is deeply alarming and raises serious questions about the department’s ability to maintain a safe and secure environment within its own walls.”
The USCP has not commented on the potential implications of the discovery on its operations and employee policies. It remains to be seen if any disciplinary action will be taken as a result of the investigation.
Drug and alcohol use within law enforcement agencies is not a new issue. The discovery of cocaine at the USCP headquarters is a reminder that substance abuse can occur in any workplace, regardless of the level of authority or security. It is also a reminder of the need for proper oversight and accountability within law enforcement agencies.
USCP is responsible for the safety and security of the Capitol building and those who work and visit there. The discovery of cocaine at their headquarters is a concerning development that warrants a thorough investigation and appropriate action to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of the department. More information will be provided as the investigation continues.