Former U.S. Capitol Police Chief Steve Sund has publicly challenged former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s account of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Sund released a timeline detailing delays in National Guard support, alleging that his repeated requests for assistance were denied by congressional security officials under Pelosi’s oversight.

The dispute escalated when Pelosi, confronted by a reporter, denied delaying the National Guard and instead blamed then-President Donald Trump. Sund responded, stating that his urgent requests were blocked by the Speaker’s Sergeant at Arms, even as the violence unfolded, due to the need for leadership approval.

Sund stressed that federal law prevented him from independently requesting military support without congressional authorization. He claimed these delays significantly hindered law enforcement’s ability to respond effectively. His statement also revealed that while the Pentagon had offered assistance, bureaucratic hurdles slowed coordination and response times.

The Capitol riot, which led to multiple deaths and widespread damage, has prompted numerous investigations into security failures. Sund’s version of events raises renewed concerns about command structure and communication during the crisis. His claims highlight potential flaws in how emergency decisions are made within Congress.

Pelosi has maintained that her office acted within procedural limits. Experts say overlapping authorities and protocols likely contributed to the confusion. Sund’s testimony adds complexity to an already contentious issue and may influence future reforms in Capitol security procedures.

Ultimately, the incident reveals the need for clearer lines of authority during emergencies and shows how differing perspectives can shape the historical narrative.