In a recent development, the Capitol Police have disclosed plans to elevate the ranks of certain officers involved in the infamous Jan 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
Among those slated for advancement are Lieutenant Michael Byrd, who is set to become captain, and Officer Caroline Edwards, who will rise to the rank of sergeant.
Lt. Byrd was in the spotlight following his lethal shooting of Ashli Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran and ardent Trump supporter.
The incident, captured on film, depicted Babbitt attempting to enter the Speaker’s Lobby through a shattered window.
Byrd explained his actions to NBC, claiming that she posed a “threat to the House” and that he was compelled to shoot when she disregarded warnings to halt.
It should be mentioned that in a separate incident in 2019, Byrd had mistakenly left his firearm unattended in the Capitol Visitor Center restroom.
Officer Edwards, who is set for a promotion to sergeant, has offered an account of the chaos that unfolded at the Capitol.
She reportedly suffered a traumatic brain injury after while on the front lines that day.
In a 2022 testimony before a House committee, she said, “I saw friends with blood all over their faces,” adding, “I was slipping in people’s blood.”
Edwards was given the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Joe Biden.
While the department refrained from commenting on specific personnel matters, a representative highlighted that the promotions are a result of a “competitive and equitable” process.
Further advancements, notably at the assistant chief, deputy chief, and inspector tiers, are anticipated in the near future.
