New Capitol Police chief chosen in wake of Jan. 6 riot

A former Maryland police chief will take the helm of the U.S Capitol Police (USCP), which has been without a permanent leader since shortly after the Jan. 6 riot, two sources confirmed to The Hill on Monday.

Thomas Manger retired from the Montgomery County, Md., police department after 15 years as chief and spent six years serving as chief of the Fairfax, Va., police department.

His selection was first reported by The Associated Press.

Former Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund resigned just days after the pro-Trump mob stormed its way into the Capitol, leaving the 2,300-officer force led by acting Chief Yogananda Pittman. 

Pittman, who ran USCP’s intelligence services leading up to the attack, earlier this year received a vote of no confidence from the officers union.

Manger is set to take the helm of the force at a critical time. The USCP is under pressure from lawmakers to provide more of a protective service when they are in their districts and is caught in the middle of a battle between the House and Senate over how to replenish its coffers and shore up its equipment.

Since retiring in 2019, Manger has run his own public safety consulting firm. He also served as president of the Major Cities Chiefs Association, which lobbies on behalf of police chiefs.

Updated at 6 p.m.