Sean Gallagher Named Acting Chief of Capitol Police
By Amanda Castro
Assistant Chief Sean Gallagher has been named acting chief of the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) as the department begins its search for a permanent replacement for outgoing Chief Thomas Manger, the department confirmed to Newsweek.
Gallagher's potential promotion would come after Manger announced his retirement in May after four years in the role. The department falls under the control of the U.S. government, with the chief appointed by the Capitol Police Board.
What To Know
Gallagher oversees uniformed operations at USCP, having moved up through the ranks since joining in 2001. He was promoted to sergeant within the House Division in 2005 and became a lieutenant in 2008.
He became the acting assistant chief of Protective and Intelligence Operations on January 9, 2021, and was made the acting assistant chief of Uniformed Operations that June. He was promoted to assistant chief of Police for Uniformed Operations in October 2023.
The USCP website outlines Gallagher's achievements, having been "acknowledged for his distinguished service" as commander of the Papal Task Force in 2015 and taking a lead during the 2017 inauguration.
Sean Gallagher
U.S. Capitol Police Acting Assistant Chief for Uniformed Operations Sean Gallagher attends the Senate Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee hearing titled "A Review of the President's FY2024 Budget Requests for the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper... More Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via AP Images
Following the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol Building, a whistleblower accused Gallagher and assistant Chief Yogananda Pittman—who was named acting chief two days after the riot when Chief Steven Sund resigned—of mishandling intelligence and failing to respond properly to the incident as it unfolded.
It was reported that the FBI had intelligence on a potential incident, but in a closed meeting in the days after the attack, Gallagher told lawmakers that he had never seen such information.
Manger took over the department in July 2021, as it made changes in the wake of the attack.
What People Are Saying
Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger, in an interview before leaving the department: "If they pick someone from the inside, they're going to know what our mission is. If they pick somebody from the outside, they're going to have to learn about our mission, the uniqueness of it, but the structure of oversight as well, and there is a learning curve there."
Tarik Johnson, a former USCP officer suspended after January 6, posting on X, formerly Twitter, on June 1: "There is no doubt in my mind that Gallagher is laughing at the aggrieved of J6 as no media outlet has focused on the fact that it was him that withheld vital intelligence related to J6 from Chief Steven Sund but gave that same intelligence to a Senate staffer who worked under Senator Chuck Schumer, New York (D)."
Read more U.S. Politics
Mohamed Soliman's Wife Gave Evidence to Police After Boulder Attack
Donald Trump Responds to Boulder Terror Attack
Kamala Harris' 2028 Chances Drop in New Poll
Republicans' Chances of Beating Dan McKee for Rhode Island Governor—Poll
What Happens Next
Gallagher will assume the role of acting chief, pending confirmation by the Capitol Police Board.
Welcome to Billionaire Club Co LLC, your gateway to a brand-new social media experience! Sign up today and dive into over 10,000 fresh daily articles and videos curated just for your enjoyment. Enjoy the ad free experience, unlimited content interactions, and get that coveted blue check verification—all for just $1 a month!
Account Frozen
Your account is frozen. You can still view content but cannot interact with it.
Please go to your settings to update your account status.
Open Profile Settings