DEAR EDITOR:

A Jan. 17 letter erroneously stated Rep. Tim Ryan was illogical and, it implied, unintelligent to state that the invasion of the Capitol required investigation into the systemic failure that allowed terrorists to invade. The claim was since this was only the second time the Capitol was successfully attacked (since 1812), the failure in security could not have been “systemic.”

As a congressman, Tim is aware of the integration of government systems that provide intelligence and homeland security because these agencies go before congressional committees to share information about operations and to justify budget requests.

Also, Tim is chair of the House Appropriations’ Legislative Branch Subcommittee that includes oversight of funding for Capitol police. He knows how the capabilities and processes used by the Capitol police integrate with Homeland Security, DC Metropolitan police, FBI and National Guard to provide protection for security events like protests and special events like July 4th and Inauguration.

It’s become clear since the invasion that Tim’s observations on Jan. 6 were spot on. Weaknesses in every phase of the intelligence sharing, preparation for the event and response during the event are showing gaps in the systems that allowed a threat to become a deadly coup attempt. As more details emerge, we now know the vice president was moments away from encountering a mob shouting “hang Mike Pence” with makeshift gallows nearby and a much worse outcome for our country a possibility. To prevent a reoccurrence, root causes must be identified and remedied or mitigated.

I’m glad we have a representative protecting our republic and not satisfied with superficial, cursory reviews. The review needs to answer questions: why were Capitol police undermanned; why was the perimeter of the Capitol so easily penetrated; why did it take so long for reinforcements; and why did it take so long to move congressional staff, members and the VP to safety? Who had the intelligence about the threat and who failed to adequately prepare? What were the failures in the interagency coordination in the planning prior to and during the invasion? Why were multiple tours conducted by GOP staff and Congressional representatives on Jan. 5 to people who were part of the invasion in contradiction to the ban on tours in place due to COVID-19? Who were co-conspirators with the terrorists, including those with insider information and serving in positions of public trust?

These questions point to not a single failure but a whole web of failures. That web makes it not a single individual or organization or policy, but a systemic issue that needs to be addressed with systematic changes.

KIM KENGOR

Canfie