This is an actual timeline of the event we discussed some days back. This lends more credibility to the claim that the entire blow-up was/is politically motivated rather than a newsworthy event. When the event (now being called a national security issue) occurred, nothing came of it. No arrest. Nothing. It wasn't until the Congresswoman contacted the Acting Chief Thompson about the incident. Thompson comes to her office and apologizes for the incident. Then the political machine kicks into gear.
Read the timeline.Timeline of the Incident with the Capitol Police (Washington, DC) -1. Incident, Wednesday, March 29, 2006 at 8:57am. No arrest is made and nothing is said about any criminal charges.2. Congresswoman McKinney calls Sergeant-at-Arms Wilson Livingood, who along with US Capitol PD Acting Chief Thompson, came to her Congressional Office that same afternoon to discuss a 'pattern of conduct by police in failing to recognize the Congresswoman.' Thompson Apologizes for the officer not recognizing Congresswoman. He promises to work on problem and get back to her. Nothing is said about any possible criminal charges.3. Rumor begins later Wednesday that Congresswoman may be charged with assault on officer4. McKinney issues original statement on Wednesday night, March 29, 2006:(Washington, DC) - To the Members of the Capitol Hill Police:Earlier today I had an unfortunate confrontation with a Capitol Hill Police Officer. It is traditional protocol that Capitol Hill Police Officers secure 535 Members of Congress, including 100 Senators. It is the expectation of most Members of Congress that Capitol Hill Police officers know who they are. I was urgently trying to get to an important meeting on time to fulfill my obligations to my constituents. Unfortunately, the Police Officer did not recognize me as a Member of Congress and a confrontation ensued. I did not have on my Congressional pin but showed the Police Officer my Congressional ID. I know that Capitol Hill Police are securing our safety, that of thousands of others, and I appreciate the work that they do. I deeply regret that the incident occurred. I have demonstrated my support for them in the past and I continue to support them now.5. Thursday warrant rumor appears in media.6. March 31 Friday Press conference called by Congresswoman McKinney who reads statement:Apparently the case against me may be referred for prosecution. Therefore, I have been advised by my attorneys not to discuss the facts of this case. However, let me be clear, this whole incident was instigated by the inappropriate touching and stopping of me – a female, black, progressive Congresswoman. I deeply regret that this incident occurred and I am certain that after a full review of the facts, I will be exonerated.7. Congresswoman McKinney issues Apology on House Floor on Thursday, April 7:I come before this body to personally express, again, my sincere regret about the encounter with the Capitol Hill Police. I appreciate my colleagues who are standing with me, who love this institution and who love this country. There should not have been any physical contact in this incident. I have always supported law enforcement, and will be voting for H. Res. 756 expressing my gratitude and appreciation to the professionalism and dedication of the men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police. I am sorry that this misunderstanding happened at all and I regret its escalation. And I apologize.
