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Assistant Chief Sean Gallagher has been appointed as the Acting Chief of the U.S. Capitol Police, succeeding Thomas Manger, who retired last month after leading the department for nearly four years. Gallagher's interim leadership was confirmed by the Capitol Police Board as the search for a permanent chief continues.

Gallagher, who has been a mainstay in the department since 2001, is perceived by many within the Capitol Police as a strong candidate for the permanent position. Over his two-decade tenure, he has held several key roles including assistant commander of the Investigations Division, Dignitary Protection Division, and the Capitol Division. Currently, he oversees uniformed operations as one of three assistant chiefs.

The transition sparked some early confusion among Capitol Police employees and Capitol Hill officials, as the immediate successor to Manger was not clearly known. However, Monday's confirmation by the department has since clarified the leadership change.

The Capitol Police Board, tasked with selecting Manger's long-term replacement, comprises House Sergeant-at-Arms William McFarland, Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Jennifer Hemingway, and Architect of the Capitol Thomas Austin. This selection process marks the first time these members, all appointed during Manger's tenure, will collaborate to choose the top Capitol Police official. Congressional leaders, who appoint the board members, are anticipated to have significant influence in the final decision.

Manger, in a recent interview, emphasized the importance of understanding the department's unique mission. He noted that while an internal candidate would already be familiar with this mission, an external candidate would face a learning curve to grasp the department’s distinctive oversight structure and objectives.