Today the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia announced that they will not file char... #ashlibabbitt #capitolpolice #capitolhill #donaldtrump #murder

The U.S. Capitol Police announced a Sunday training exercise at the U.S. Capitol featuring 'low-flying helicopters,' emergency vehicles, and the 'simulated sound of gunfire,' drawing criticism from various observers. The drill, scheduled just 16 days before the midterms, has prompted concerns about the timing and frequency of such exercises. Critics, including former Media Matters researcher Brendan Karet and social media users like Adam Deats and Ed Krassenstein, questioned the necessity of the drill, with some suggesting it was a 'red flag' or part of a pattern of increasingly frequent training exercises. The Capitol Police, a federal law enforcement agency responsible for protecting members of Congress, has expanded significantly since the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, with its budget growing by 20% to $1 billion for fiscal year 2027. The agency has conducted similar drills in the past, including one in July 2025 and another in October 2024, just before the presidential election. The Capitol Police did not specify what the exercise was meant to simulate, merely calling it a 'routine training exercise' and urging the public not to be alarmed. However, the timing of the drill, coming so close to the midterms, has led to speculation about its purpose. Some critics argue that the frequency of these drills, especially in the lead-up to elections, is suspicious and may be intended to create a sense of heightened security or to prepare for potential scenarios. The agency's expanded role and budget since the 2021 riot have also been noted, with some suggesting that the increased militarization of Capitol security is a response to the events of January 6. The drill has been met with skepticism online, with many questioning the need for such exercises so close to a major election. The Capitol Police's decision to provide only one day's notice has also been criticized, as it left little time for the public to prepare or understand the purpose of the drill. Overall, the incident highlights ongoing debates about the balance between security measures and transparency in government operations, particularly in the context of upcoming elections.

The January 6th Committee shared this video. I haven't seen it before today. Maybe others missed it, too.

This afternoon our officers seized a guillotine, which they spotted in the bed of a pickup truck along the 100 block of East Capitol Street. You can learn more about the arrest here: https://t.co/JibVXWBj8j

US Capitol Police headquarters evacuated following a suspicious vehicle discovery nearby. Find out what authorities found. Read the full story.