More than 500 people have been arrested and prosecuted in connection with the Jan. 6 assault on the Capitol by supporters of former President Donald Trump, announced US Attorney General Merrick B. Garland.
The official said in a statement Thursday that at least 100 detainees face charges of attacking law enforcement officials. He also indicated that that same morning the first accused was arrested for attacking members of the media during the violent event, which left five dead.
“I could not be more proud of the extraordinary efforts of investigators and prosecutors to hold accountable those who participated in criminal acts that day,” Garland said in a statement.
The text also indicates that federal authorities have received more than 200,000 tips on the riots.
On January 6, 2021, a mob of supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the headquarters of the federal Congress, and sought out lawmakers to try to prevent the certification of Joe Biden’s victory in the presidential election.
Five people were killed in connection with the riots, including Capitol Officer Brian Sicknick, and more than 100 police officers were injured.
The defendants are being indicted in US District Court in Washington, DC.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, announced this week the creation of a new commission to investigate the events of the assault.