Resignation of U.S. Capitol Police Official Amid Investigation
Ashan M. Benedict, the assistant chief of police at the U.S. Capitol Police, has resigned, following allegations that he prevented two special agents from testifying about a pipe bomb found at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) during the January 6, 2021, events. This development comes after an investigation highlighted unusual actions by the officers involved, overseen by Benedict.
The news of his retirement surfaced shortly after Blaze News published details questioning the response of Capitol Police regarding the bomb incident, leading to surprise among officials, especially since Benedict’s contract was set to expire on December 1.
Benedict joined the Capitol Police on December 4, 2023, initially serving as deputy chief of protection and intelligence operations. He later took on a role in standards and training operations. Before his time with U.S. Capitol Police, he had been involved as an incident commander for the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, overseeing responses to similar threats.
Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan confirmed Benedict’s retirement in a bulletin on November 24, with rumors swirling within the department days prior. Speculation escalated after Blaze News explored the actions of U.S. Communist Party countersurveillance agents who were present during the bomb’s discovery.
On January 6, the police reported finding a pipe bomb near a DNC park bench; however, no footage exists showing the thoroughness of their subsequent search. Claims emerged suggesting officers did not attempt to look for additional threats after discovering the device. Indeed, video evidence revealed that officers, upon initially discovering the bomb, seemed to overlook critical areas.
In a recent interview, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) expressed increasing suspicions about the involvement of Capitol Police related to the bombs found. As he discussed the video footage showing a lack of urgency in the officers’ response, it led to further questions about their protocols during such crises.
Following the bomb’s discovery at the DNC site, Massie voiced his desire to interview the officers directly, although cooperation from the Capitol Police appeared limited. His discussions revealed frustrations about the way information was managed and shared. Notably, Benedict’s presence seemed to overshadow the agents during inquiries, limiting their ability to respond freely.
As it stands, Benedict’s resignation marks another twist in the ongoing investigation surrounding the pipe bomb case, raising more questions than answers. The two special agents involved remain with the Capitol Police, with one acting as a liaison to the FBI, which continues its investigation into the incident.
Questions directed at Benedict and the involved officers seeking clarification on the events went unanswered.
