Authorities are investigating a growing number of current law enforcers who allegedly took part in the January 6 riot in the Capitol.
“Unfortunately, as this case goes on, we see indications that former and current law enforcers, possibly off duty, are participating in this rioting activity,” Michael Sherwin, acting U.S. Attorney for Columbia District, said Friday. .
Two Rocky Mount, Virginia police officers were arrested Thursday on federal charges related to the riot, Sherwin said.
“We do not care what your profession is, who you are, who you are connected to, if you engage in or engage in criminal activity, we will charge you and you will be arrested,” Sherwin said.
In addition, Steven D’Antuono of the FBI’s Washington Field Office said Friday that the “worst” of the pro-Trump extremists of the Capitol attack last week are those charged with assault on law enforcement.
Complaints have already been filed against individuals such as Robert Sanford and Peter Francis Stager and others who can be charged are a priority for the FBI and our partners. ‘
“You’re attacking one of us, you’re attacking us all,” D’Antuono said.
Sanford, a retired firefighter, was arrested in Pennsylvania on Thursday and accused of throwing a fire extinguisher that hit three police officers in the head while they were in a section of the crowd on a Capitol terrace. Sanford is now facing four federal criminal charges related to the riot, including assaulting, resisting or obstructing officers on duty.
Stager, from Arkansas, is facing a criminal charge related to the alleged wearing of a uniformed officer. He allegedly used a flagpole with an American flag to hit the officer while lying on the ground surrounded by the mob, according to the court report in the DC District Court.
No arrests have been made in connection with the death of Brian Sicknick, a Capitol police officer, but the FBI is investigating a number of people, two law enforcement officials told CNN.
Earlier Friday, D’Antuono said his investigators were “making progress” with the investigation into the officer’s death.
The incident with Sanford is not related, he added.
D’Antuono said investigators are looking into “anyone and everyone” who may be involved, but did not give details about the scope of the investigation.
The New York Times first reported that several people were being looked into in the investigation.