Capitol riot investigation: 275 cases open, US prosecutors say

Capitol riot investigation: 275 cases open, US prosecutors say

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The number will easily reach more than 300 by the end of the day, Michael Sherwin, acting U.S. Attorney for Columbia District, told reporters Friday.

Shocking new details show that the riot last week was extremely violent and life-threatening for the top members of the US government.

Law enforcement officials have not denied investigating allegations that Capitol police and lawmakers were involved in the riot. Steven D’Antuono of the FBI’s Washington Field Office said the FBI “will not leave any stone unturned” and “look at every piece of the puzzle”. However, they did not elaborate on the investigations. Several members of the Democratic House have expressed concern that some GOP lawmakers are helping rioters in one way or another.
Some of the individuals who violated the Capitol were planning to “capture and kill elected officials,” federal prosecutors wrote in a new court request.

While that was the motivation of some, Sherwin said that “we have no direct evidence of teams killing”, but adds that anti-terrorism prosecutors are still seeking coordination between groups.

Vice President Mike Pence also came closer than was initially known to the mob, according to the new report from The Washington Post highlighting the level of danger he and other government leaders faced during the January 6 uprising. Some of the rioters who stormed the Capitol were heard shouting “where is Mike Pence” and seen in the video shouting: “hang Mike Pence” – upset that Pence is carrying out his constitutional duty to confirm the election results in November.
Major arrests so far of Capitol riot

Pence, per the Post, stayed in the Senate Hall for about 14 minutes after Capitol police reported the initial attempted violation of the building.

The police are being investigated

Authorities are investigating a growing number of current law enforcers who allegedly took part in the riots.

“Unfortunately, as this case goes on, we see indications that law enforcement officers, both former and current, may be off duty, participating in this rioting activity,” Sherwin said.

Two Rocky Mount, Virginia police officers were arrested Thursday on federal charges related to the riot, Sherwin said.

They swore to protect America. Some also joined the riot

“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.

No transactions

Although some federal defendants surrender, they will not be able to cut deals where their attorneys are currently negotiating with prosecutors.

“We do not enter into any transactions with anyone. Even if people report themselves, they will be held accountable,” Sherwin said.

In large-scale investigations, prosecutors can sometimes allow defendants to negotiate their charges if they offer law enforcement assistance.

Prosecutors noted in the court reports how several accused accused had already talked to investigators about the riots and how much they had posted about their experience or footage they had taken of the riots on social media.

This story is breaking and will be updated.

CNN’s Katelyn Polantz and David Shortell contributed to this report.

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