“Soldier Reveals Alleged Retaliation for Blowing Whistle on Capitol Riot Response
An army officer is alleging reprisal from his superiors for his recounting of the response to the Capitol building riot that took place in Washington, D.C. on January 6th.
Army Major Adam DeMarco told Congress that he was placed in a tough position when asked to provide information about the handling of the Capitol riot. DeMarco stated, “. . . my chain of command wished that I would not speak with Congress and expressed concern about any information I might provide . . . as I was reminded, such decisions were ‘above my pay grade.’”
The incident has been under heated debate ever since former President Donald Trump sent thousands of his supporters to the Capitol building in a failed attempt to overturn the election results. DeMarco served as a witness for the House of Representatives in a hearing regarding the response to the Capitol riot.
DeMarco warned Congress of the potential consequences that could befall him if he provided information about the handling of the Capitol riot. “The impression I received was that if I engaged in this action of speaking to Congress I could be severely reprimanded or even discharged,” DeMarco reported.
An ensuing inspector general’s investigation cleared DeMarco and stated that there was “no evidence that of reprisal or harassment” against DeMarco. However, DeMarco was satisfied with the investigation’s conclusion.
DeMarco’s testimony highlights the harsh reality of military reprisal. Despite the lack of reprisal evidence against him, he was still at risk from his command for providing information regarding the handling of the Capitol riot.
Though the investigation yielded no perceivable consequences for DeMarco, it remains a concern that individuals will be threatened into silence if they are asked to provide information. Given that his superiors were reportedly trying to stifle his statements, this incident serves to illustrate a more systemic issue.
The struggle for DeMarco to speak his truth highlights the tribulations of those wanting to come forward and share critical details about certain events. DeMarco’s story represents the difficulties that those in the military can face when their superiors attempt to suppress criticism. As such, it illustrates the importance of being able to speak freely without fear of reprisal.