Riots at Capitol, 170 people could face criminal charges of violence

Washington's acting deputy District Assistant Michael Sherryin told reporters that more than 70 people have already been pressed charges in the capital Washington, while prosecutors are continuing their work on raising charges against at least 100 others. This figure could increase, it could reach hundreds (the number of people who will be charged against)”, Sherwin said during a press conference on the federal investigation of violent protests in which five people lost their lives, including a Capitol Police officer.

Meanwhile, the Senate's Democrat leader, Chuck Schumer, said President Donald Trump's supporters who attacked the U.S. Capitol should be barred from flying. He called those in the rebel mob who pose a threat to national security and must be put on a plane travel ban list. “We cannot allow the same rebels to board a plane and cause more violence and more damage”, Senator Schumer said at a press conference. The Democrat from New York is expected to become majority leader in the Senate after his party takes over.

Federal investigation into the January 6th deadly intervention in the Capitol by President Trump's supporters is intensifying. Prosecutor Sherwin said he has created a working team of senior national security and anti-corruption prosecutors to file more serious charges of sedition and conspiracy against some violent protesters. The penalty for such charges could reach up to 20 years in prison.

The rate of criminal action in one area, from the simple violation of illegal entry into the protected zone, the theft of mail to the attack on a law enforcement officer, is unprecedented, prosecutor Sherwin said. In many cases, FBI agents have relied on smaller charges to make arrests. On charges filed, Sherwin said, prosecutors can now sue indictees for more serious cases. A large federal jury in Washington heard several hours of evidence presented by prosecutors in numerous crime cases involving the possession of a devastating device and possession of a semi-automatic assault weapon, Sherwin said.

Steven D'Antuono, assistant director of the FBI office in Washington, told reporters that the FBI has received more than 100,000 photographic and film information from the public following violent protest. D'Antuono said the FBI is “actively” considering adding the names of suspects to the federal flight ban list, as Senator Schumer suggested.

The violent protest erupted after thousands of supporters of President Trump revolted by false claims that

Trump had lost the election due to vote manipulation, marched from the area near the White House towards the Capitol. Hundreds of protesters entered areas linking the Senate and Chambers of Congress, robbing offices and clashing with law enforcement officers. The violence left five people dead, including a Capitol Police officer and a supporter of President Trump, who was shot dead by police.

The first major violent attack on the U.S. Capitol in more than 200 years has led to an attempt by Democrats to file charges against President Trump for inciting violence and raised serious questions about the inability of law enforcement agencies to prevent it. / VOA