Sen. John Barrasso - Ranking member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee | Official U.S. Senate headshot
Sen. John Barrasso - Ranking member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee | Official U.S. Senate headshot
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), ranking member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, has sent a letter to Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland regarding recent criminal acts of violence and vandalism in Union Station’s Columbus Plaza, Washington, D.C.
The letter reiterates concerns from Barrasso's previous correspondence about the need to improve recruitment and retention efforts within the U.S. Park Police (USPP) to address chronic staffing shortages. It also notes that Secretary Haaland has not responded to an earlier letter from Barrasso concerning her support for the USPP in protecting public and federal property.
“Your failure to act decisively jeopardizes the safety of federal personnel and diminishes public trust in DOI’s ability to uphold the rule of law,” wrote Senator Barrasso. “The American people deserve to know that their federal lands and the personnel who protect them will not suffer neglect or unnecessary endangerment.”
In his latest letter, Barrasso highlights an incident on July 24, 2024, when "a mob of thousands" occupied Columbus Plaza at Union Station in Washington, D.C., desecrating American flags, vandalizing landmarks, and assaulting USPP officers.
Kenneth Spencer, Chairman of the United States Park Police Fraternal Order of Police (USPP FOP), stated: “[D]espite having only 29 officers available to mitigate damage - 29! - with no additional help from the Department of the Interior [DOI], we processed several arrests for charges ranging from assault on a police officer to destruction of government property.”
Barrasso's letter underscores repeated attempts to seek support for the USPP which he claims have been ignored by Secretary Haaland. He references letters dated February 6, 2024, and June 13, 2024, where he highlighted urgent needs for improved recruitment efforts and condemned violent incidents near the White House involving pro-terror agitators.
The senator demands an immediate response addressing accountability measures, support for federal personnel, security enhancements on federal lands, and potential revisions to Department policies or protocols.
“The American people deserve to know that their federal lands and the personnel who protect them will not suffer neglect or unnecessary endangerment,” Barrasso concluded.
Sincerely,
Senator John Barrasso
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