New Capitol Police Chief Supports Cops Speaking Out Following Tucker Carlson's Remarks

The newly sworn-in chief of the U.S. Capitol Police said he supports his officers speaking out regarding the deadly January 6 riot amid Fox News host Tucker Carlson's recent comments about a Capitol police officer.

J. Thomas Manger was formally chosen to serve as the next chief of the U.S. Capitol Police on Thursday. He is succeeding Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman, who took on the role following the resignation of former Chief Steven Sund in the aftermath of the January 6 attack on the Capitol.

Speaking with WUSA9, Manger responded following Carlson's remarks about the legitimacy of the January 6 committee. In particular, the Fox News personality singled out Officer Harry Dunn, calling him "an angry left-wing political activist."

"He's entitled to his opinion, but I will tell you this. My cops, every one of them, deserves to have their story told," Manger said. "Their voices need to be heard."

Carlson's apparent criticism towards Dunn stemmed from a 2019 tweet the officer made remarks against systemic racism in the U.S.

"Racism is so American, that when you protest it, people think that you are protesting America!" Dunn tweeted, followed by various hashtags, including #RacistInChief and #IStandWithIlhanOmar.

Following Carlson's segment, lawyers representing Dunn released a statement via Twitter, taking great exception to the host's issues with their client's character.

"Tonight Fox News allowed its host Tucker Carlson, who has not served a day in uniform, whether military or law enforcement, to criticize the heroism and service of African-American U.S. Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn," the statement read, shared by attorney Mark S. Zaid.

"Our client has served 13 years in law enforcement and on January 6, 2021, fought against an insurrectionist violent crowd - no doubt many of them Carlson's supporters - to protect the lives of our elected officials, including Vice President Pence."

Newsweek reached out to Fox News for a comment on Manger's response, but has yet to hear back.

Manger was retired at the time of the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The event, he said, inspired him to make a return to law enforcement.

"I wasn't interested in just coming back anywhere, I wanted to come here because I think I could help," Manger said.

Manger served for 15 years as chief of police for Montgomery County, Maryland, directly north of Washington, D.C., giving him an established rapport with Capitol Police. He has roughly 42 years of law enforcement experience, including leadership roles in other major parts of the National Capitol Region.