Capitol riot investigation: 275 cases open, US prosecutors say



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That number will easily rise to over 300 by the end of the day, Michael Sherwin, acting U.S. prosecutor for the District of Columbia, told reporters on Friday.

Shocking new details show that last week’s riot was extremely violent and posed a life-threatening danger to key members of the U.S. government.

Law enforcement officials did not deny that they were 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 “will examine every piece of the puzzle”. However, they did not give details of these investigations. Several members of the Democratic House have expressed concern that some GOP lawmakers are somehow helping the rioters.
Some of the individuals who violated Capitol Hill intended to “capture and murder elected officials,” federal prosecutors wrote in a new court file.

While this may have been the motivation for some, Sherwin said “we have no direct evidence of lethal capture teams,” but added that counterterrorism prosecutors are still investigating coordination between the groups.

Vice President Mike Pence also moved closer to what was initially known to the crowd, according to a new Washington Post report that highlights the level of danger he and other government leaders faced during the insurrection of January 6. Some of the pro-Trump rioters who ransacked Capitol Hill were heard shouting “where is Mike Pence” and seen on the video shouting “hang Mike Pence” – upset that Pence is doing his constitutional duty to certify the November election results.
Main arrests so far from the Capitol riot

Pence, according to the Post, remained in the Senate chamber for about 14 minutes after Capitol Hill police reported the initial attempted breach of the building.

Police under investigation

Authorities are investigating a growing number of law enforcement officials who allegedly participated in the riots.

“Unfortunately, as this case continues we are seeing indications that law enforcement officers, past and present, who may have been on leave, are participating in this riot activity.” , Sherwin said.

Two officers from Rocky Mount, Va., Were arrested Thursday on federal charges related to the riot, Sherwin said.

They swore to protect America.  Some also joined the riot

“We don’t care about your profession, who you are, who you are affiliated with, if you are involved in or are engaged in any criminal activity we will charge you and you will be arrested,” Sherwin said.

No offer

Even if some federal defendants go out on their own, they won’t be able to make deals when their defense attorneys are negotiating with prosecutors at this time.

“We don’t make any deals with anyone. Even if people come out on their own, they will be held accountable, ”Sherwin said.

Sometimes in large investigations, prosecutors allow defendants to negotiate their charges if they offer assistance to law enforcement.

Prosecutors noted in court documents that several defendants have already spoken to investigators about the riot and how many have posted their experience or footage they took of the rioting 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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