The former Capitol Police Chief, Steven Sund, sharply criticized former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi via social media after she condemned former President Donald Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles. Trump federalized 4,000 California National Guard members, with an additional 700 Marines deployed after violent riots erupted following the arrest of undocumented immigrants convicted of crimes. The unrest overwhelmed local law enforcement and prompted federal intervention when city and state officials failed to respond effectively.
During a press conference, Pelosi lambasted Trump’s decision, claiming it was unconstitutional and contrasting it with his inaction on January 6, 2021. She incorrectly referenced constitutional grounds and failed to acknowledge historical precedent, such as President Lyndon B. Johnson deploying troops during the 1960s civil rights movement. Pelosi argued that Trump refused to send troops to protect the Capitol on Jan. 6, yet now had no issue sending them to California.
Sund, who led the Capitol Police during the Jan. 6 attack, responded by accusing Pelosi of distorting facts. He stated he had made 11 urgent requests for National Guard support that day, starting at 12:58 p.m., but was delayed by the House Sergeant at Arms, who reported to Pelosi. He asserted that Pelosi played a role in those critical delays and is now unjustly blaming Trump for the outcome.
Official records support Sund’s timeline. The Defense Department confirmed that 340 National Guard troops had been pre-authorized to assist with crowd control duties on Jan. 6. However, their deployment was restricted and delayed during the escalating situation at the Capitol.