FBI opens 160+ investigation cases against Capitol Hill rioters
(PTI desk)
The FBI has opened more than 160 investigation cases against the January 6 Capitol Hill rioters, officials in Washington said. "In six days, we have opened over 160 case files, and that's just the tip of the iceberg," FBI Washington Field Office Assistant Director In-Charge Steven M D'Antuono said, adding the FBI has received more than 100,000 pieces of digital media.
FBI will visit those who participated in the Capitol riot
The agency has worked with the US Attorney's Office and law enforcement partners in DC and across the country to arrest and charge multiple individuals who took part in last week's breach of the US Capitol, D'Antuono told reporters at a news conference. He added the FBI will be knocking on the doors of the people who participated in the attack on the Capitol.
FBI developed intelligence on attacks before the rally
In the weeks leading up to the rally, the FBI developed intelligence about a number of individuals planning to travel to the DC area with violent intentions. The information was shared, and Enrique Tario was consequently arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department the night before the rally. "Other individuals were identified in other parts of the country and their travel subsequently disrupted," D'Antuono noted.
Number of cases is going to increase in coming weeks
Acting US Attorney for the District of Columbia, Michael Sherwin, said the scope and scale of the investigation are unprecedented not only in FBI history but also in the Department of Justice's history, in which the Capitol grounds are essentially crime scenes. Noting this is going to be a long-term investigation, he said 170 cases have been opened currently but the number might grow.
Pipe bombs also found in offices near the Capitol grounds
Meanwhile, Sherwin said two pipe bombs were also found outside the RNC and the DNC offices near the Capitol grounds. "They were real devices. They had explosive ignitors...We don't know exactly why they did not go off. That's being investigated. They were destroyed, disabled by Capitol Police with the assistance of the ATF, and that is all obviously being vetted and investigated."
Reward of $5,000 announced for any information regarding the bombs
The FBI has announced a reward of $5,000 for any information leading to the identification of the individual or individuals that left the pipe bombs. Federal prosecutors are looking at everything from simple trespass and theft of mail and digital devices inside the Capitol, to assault, murder, and theft of potential national security information or national defense information.
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