The Capitol’s architect was fired after calls for his resignation

AOC Chief Operating Officer Joe Biden: “It Was Not Yours to Defend” During the January 6, 2021, Insurrection

A White House official said that President Joe Biden fired the Architect of the Capitol after he was accused of using government resources during the January 6, 2021, insurrection.

Another driver backed into the government SUV while it was improperly parked, and when asked for his insurance information Blanton claimed to be an “agent” driving the government vehicle.

Blanton said that he had taken his commitment to change the agency’s culture to promote positive workplace for every AOC employee and that he had not engaged in unethical behavior during his service to this country. “Moreover, I have fully invested to ensure that I meet the responsibilities and the expectations of this role.”

Blanton told committee members at last Thursday’s hearing that he was “directing AOC personnel” from his government vehicle, which he said served as “AOC’s mobile command post”, during the riot — but not on the Capitol grounds.

Other members, including the ranking Democrat, Rep. Joe Morelle of New York, jumped on the admission by Blanton to question why he remained in the “mobile command center.”

Why didn’t you come here when you needed a vehicle for tethering and there was no emergency equipment that was attached to it? Could you not have fulfilled the same function at home using a cell phone?,” Morelle asked Blanton.

The United States Capitol Police Board: An Inspector General Comes to the Final Standstill after the Jan. 6 Attack and Tells Us What Happens When We Leave the Capitol

Blanton is one of three voting members of the United States Capitol Police Board, which oversees the USCP. His responsibilities include property management and operations at the Capitol.

After describing her experience of being stuck on a balcony during the insurrection, Republican Rep. Tomassy grew frustrated.

She said she was angry that you would be in a comfortable place while the rest of us were wondering how we were going to come out alive.

Over 18 million square feet of buildings and over 500 acres of land were maintained by Blanton.

An official with the White House said Blanton was fired after the White House did “due diligence” on him.

The inspector general’s report was released last fall, but Blanton found himself in the hot seat again last week during a House Administration Committee hearing, where he told lawmakers that he wasn’t on the grounds during the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.

“The Inspector General’s report was highly concerning, which is, in part, why our first hearing was dedicated to providing oversight over the AOC,” Steil said in a statement. “His refusal to be transparent and truthful has made clear that he can no longer lead the organization and must resign immediately.”