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Arrests Stemming From Capitol Hill Riot Expected To 'Grow Into The Hundreds'
U.S. Attorney Michael Sherwin announced that more than 70 people have been charged in connection with the insurrection attempt by Trump supporters.
The number of arrests resulting from the deadly insurrection on Capitol Hill could reach up into the hundreds, the acting attorney general said this week.
On Jan. 6, hundreds of supporters of President Donald Trump swarmed the halls of Congress after charging through barricades and doors, resulting in chaos and violence. A total of five people died, including U.S. Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, who was killed after being struck in the head by a fire extinguisher hurled from the out-of-control crowd. While the Capitol descended into chaos, authorities discovered pipe bombs at the headquarters of both the Republican and Democratic National Committee headquarters.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Sherwin said at a press conference on Tuesday that the Department of Justice announced that more than 70 people have been charged in connection with the attack on the Capitol. He said he suspects that number to “grow into the hundreds.”
Sherwin added that 170 cases have already been opened, meaning that there are at least 100 possible suspects facing charges in addition to the 70. He expects that number to continue to swell to “hundreds of criminal cases” in the next couple of weeks, he said.
“This is going to be a long-term investigation,” he said, adding that investigators are “in for the long haul.”
FBI Washington Field Office ADIC Steven D’Antuono noted that they have received more than 100,000 pieces of digital media tips from the public and that he continues to ask for more. Internet users have come together over the past week through crowdsourcing and sleuthing to help law enforcement identify and track down suspects This has already resulted directly in the arrest of several individuals.
"To be clear, the brutality the American people watched with shock and disbelief on the 6th will not be tolerated by the FBI,” D'Antuono said.
Sherwin also stated that he has given "marching orders" to prosecutors to pursue sedition and conspiracy cases related to the violence.
The FBI has urged anyone with information about the photos of individuals they posted to call the bureau's toll-free tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). People can also submit any information, photos, or videos that could be relevant through the FBI's website. One can also call their local FBI office or, if overseas, the nearest office.
