The chief of police at the University of California, Berkeley, which recently saw violent Antifa protests against a Turning Point USA event, previously served in a senior leadership role with the US Capitol Police during the January 6, 2021, Capitol protest.
Yogananda Pittman, who became UC Berkeley’s police chief on February 1, 2023, served more than two decades with the US Capitol Police, including as assistant chief overseeing protective and intelligence operations. She later served as interim chief for six months in the aftermath of the Capitol riot.
In 2021, Pittman acknowledged that the Capitol Police “failed to meet its own high standards” in preparing for the events of January 6. In a statement submitted to the House Appropriations Committee, she wrote, “Let me be clear: the Department should have been more prepared for this attack.”
“By January 4th, the Department knew that the January 6th event would not be like any of the previous protests held in 2020. We knew that militia groups and white supremacists organizations would be attending. We also knew that some of these participants were intending to bring firearms and other weapons to the event. We knew that there was a strong potential for violence and that Congress was the target.”
According to a CBS News report from that time, despite multiple intelligence warnings, the Capitol Police Board rejected then–Chief Steven Sund’s request to declare a state of emergency and authorize National Guard assistance.
UC Berkeley has described Pittman as an experienced law enforcement leader who has “demonstrated her abilities in the key areas of innovation and change management” and is committed to “the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice.” The university said her background in security at the US Capitol made her well-suited to manage campus safety at Berkeley.
The recent Antifa demonstrations on campus erupted over TPUSA’s tour stop on Monday, leading to violent clashes and renewed scrutiny over Berkeley’s ability to maintain order during politically charged protests. Protesters were seen mocking the death of Charlie Kirk, as well as trying to storm the venue by breaking down barriers and setting off fireworks near attendees. Multiple arrests were made.
