Shutdown Heroism: Capitol Police Aren’t Being Paid, But Bravely Respond to Shots Fired

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The Capitol Police aren’t being paid, but they put their lives on the lines as shots were fired on Capitol Hill today.

According to Harry Reid via Dana Bash on CNN at least one police officer was shot an injured outside of the Capitol today. The shots fired outside the Capitol have been confirmed by multiple law enforcement agencies, and the suspect has been confirmed as dead at the scene.

In case House Republicans needed a reminder of why this government shutdown has to end, the Capitol Police responded to the shooting even though they are working without pay. Capitol Police were deemed essential employees, which means that they didn’t get furloughed, but they also wouldn’t be paid.

If Republicans had any shame, they would immediately pass the clean CR. They should be ashamed of themselves for forcing people to protect them while working for free. Republicans can go back to trying to get rid of Obamacare and of their other demands later. Today, brave men and women put their lives on the line for a group of people who are denying them the ability to financially support themselves and their families.

The Capitol Police, just like all law enforcement and first responders, are heroes. If House Republicans are capable of expressing gratitude, the least they can do is make sure that these people get the paycheck that they are working for.

This shooting on Capitol Hill is a reminder that there lots of things that are more important than ideological fist fights. It wouldn’t be good enough for House Republicans to include the Capitol Police in their piecemeal government funding games. The time for empty political postures are over. Republicans, the Capitol Police have jumped into action to protect you. Now, it’s your turn to do right by them and all of the other people that this government shutdown is hurting.

Image: @JordanSekulow Executive Director of the ACLJ, co-host of Jay Sekulow Live and Washington Post blogger.

Jason Easley

Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.

Awards and  Professional Memberships

Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association