Michael G. Sullivan, who last was interim chief of the Phoenix Police Department, has been tapped to lead the U.S. Capitol Police, the department announced Wednesday.
Sullivan will succeed J. Thomas Manger, who served nearly four years in the role before retiring last week. He brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, according to a statement from Capitol Police. He’ll be sworn in June 30.
“The [Capitol Police] Board is confident in Chief Sullivan’s experience, leadership, and approach in protecting the Congress as an institution to ensure the legislative process is unimpeded,” the statement said.
The announcement comes a day after the union representing Capitol Police officers came out in opposition to acting Chief Sean Gallagher. The union cited Gallagher’s senior leadership position on the force during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, as well as an overtime scandal in which Gallagher was allegedly implicated.
Union Chairman Gus Papathanasiou did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Sullivan’s appointment on Wednesday night.
The Capitol Police Board — composed of the House and Senate sergeants-at-arms and the architect of the Capitol — is tasked with selecting any new chief of police.
“The Board appreciates the thoughtful input received from both sworn and civilian USCP staff which was utilized in the selection process for the new Chief,” the statement said. “We are — as always — grateful for your service to the Congressional community.”
Sullivan began his career in 1995 in Louisville, Ky., eventually rising through the ranks to become deputy chief of the Louisville Metro Police Department in 2016, according to the statement. Three years later, he joined the Baltimore Police Department and served as deputy commissioner. He took the interim leadership role in Phoenix in 2022.
Sullivan holds a bachelor’s degree in police administration and a master’s in the administration of justice, both from the University of Louisville, according to his LinkedIn profile.
He’ll take the helm of a force that came under scrutiny after the Capitol attack of Jan. 6, 2021, and that has struggled with morale among the rank-and-file. The department’s ballooning budget requests in the wake of the Capitol riot have at times rankled lawmakers, though Manger defended the increases as necessary to address rising threats against staff and members and to hire more officers.
“The Congressional Community is fortunate to have a seasoned professional who will lead with integrity, ensure accountability, and draw on his experience in providing a safe and secure environment for Members of Congress, staff, and visitors,” the statement said.
Asked at a Senate hearing in May what a new chief of police should focus on, Manger said it depended on whether the candidate was an internal or outside hire.
“You have to learn Capitol Hill — and that is like nothing else,” he told lawmakers.
In an exit interview with Roll Call last month, Manger said the biggest challenge for the force going forward was “to stay focused on the mission, and to be protected from the political influence that sort of permeates this place.”
The post Michael Sullivan named chief of Capitol Police appeared first on Roll Call.
