Bill Text: VA HR536 | 2020 | 1st Special Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Commending the Division of Capitol Police.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 25-12)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2020-08-28 - Agreed to by House by voice vote [HR536 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2020-HR536-Introduced.html
Patrons-- Fowler, Adams, D.M., Cole, J.G., Cole, M.L., Davis, Kory, Morefield, Robinson, Sickles, Walker, Watts, Webert and Wyatt; Senators: Edwards, Howell, Reeves and Ruff
WHEREAS, in May and June 2020, the Division of Capitol Police took appropriate measures to protect the historic resources in and around the Virginia State Capitol and Capitol Square and ensure the safety of members of the public and state employees; and
WHEREAS, on May 29, 2020, demonstrations in downtown Richmond to protest the death of George Floyd turned violent, resulting in damage to multiple businesses, buildings, and vehicles throughout the city; and
WHEREAS, the following night, members of the Division of Capitol Police responded to large crowds gathering around Ninth and Grace Streets, and two officers sustained injuries when they were struck with thrown objects; and
WHEREAS, the Division of Capitol Police and the Department of General Services (DGS) made the decision to close Capitol Square to the public after and the Virginia Capitol Visitor's Entrance, Virginia Supreme Court Building, and Washington Building were vandalized and a window was broken in the Barbara Johns Building, which houses the Office of the Attorney General; and
WHEREAS, as unrest continued, the Division of Capitol Police monitored the situation and strove to ensure overall public safety in the area; working in conjunction with DGS, the agency ultimately reopened Capitol Square on June 15, 2020; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Division of Capitol Police hereby be commended for its service in protecting the Virginia State Capitol and Capitol Square in May and June 2020; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Colonel Anthony S. Pike, chief of the Division of Capitol Police, as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the agency's commitment to safeguarding the grounds around Capitol Square and protecting the lives of visitors and state employees.
