Former President Trump is not directly implicated in the claims made by ex-Capitol Police officer Tarik Johnson regarding the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots.
According to a report by Newsweek on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, Johnson asserts that the events were part of a larger set-up orchestrated by the former assistant chief of the U.S. Capitol Police, Yogananda Pittman.
Johnson, a former lieutenant within the department, alleges that the day’s chaos was strategically masked by a large crowd and concealed facts.
In statements, Johnson suggests that Pittman’s motive for the alleged set-up was to gain favor with Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and secure the position of USCP chief by removing then-Chief Steven A. Sund. Pittman, currently serving as the police chief of the University of California, Berkeley, held the role of acting USCP chief from January 8, 2021, to July 23, 2021, following Sund’s resignation
Johnson also claims to possess a “12-hour radio run” of the day’s events, intending to share this information with the public.
He expresses a desire to collaborate with a podcaster, specifically mentioning interest in appearing on Joe Rogan’s podcast, to discuss the significance of certain transmissions.
The allegations come amidst a broader context where 1,201 individuals from all 50 states have faced charges related to the Capitol riots, with 719 pleading guilty.
Johnson’s statements add a unique dimension to the ongoing investigations, asserting that the day’s events were not merely an insurrection but a premeditated set-up.
The implication of a high-ranking USCP official in orchestrating such an event raises serious questions about the internal dynamics and potential motivations behind the Capitol breach.
While Johnson’s claims are provocative, it is crucial to note the absence of concrete evidence supporting his allegations.
The former Capitol Police officer mentions consulting with an attorney about releasing his information, but the veracity of his assertions remains unverified at this point.
The USCP spokesperson declined to comment on Johnson’s claims, leaving the public with limited official responses to assess the credibility of these allegations.
The dynamics within the USCP leadership, particularly the transition from Sund to Pittman, come under scrutiny in Johnson’s narrative.
His claim that Pittman orchestrated the events to gain Pelosi’s favor and ascend to the position of chief adds a political dimension to the internal workings of the Capitol Police.
This political backdrop introduces complexities to the investigation, linking the alleged set-up to broader power struggles within the law enforcement agency.
Former Chief Steven A. Sund’s phone logs, indicating calls for backup on January 6, further contribute to the narrative of a lack of preparedness and a potential cover-up.
