FBI asks Americans to help identify rioters at U.S Capitol Building

January 8, 2021

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is seeking information that will assist in identifying individuals who are actively instigating violence in Washington, D.C. The FBI is accepting tips and digital media depicting rioting and violence in the U.S. Capitol Building and surrounding area in Washington, D.C. on January 6, 2021, in which violent pro-President Donald Trump supporters stormed the Capitol Building, pushed past barricades and forced themselves inside the complex.

According to Capitol Police chief Steven Sund, two hazardous devices were found in the area, which could have caused “great harm to public safety.” Sund said the devices were rendered safe and are now being investigated by The FBI. "The violent attack on the U.S. Capitol was unlike any I have ever experienced in my 30 years in law enforcement here in Washington, D.C. Maintaining public safety in an open environment – specifically for First Amendment activities – has long been a challenge. The USCP had a robust plan established to address anticipated First Amendment activities. But make no mistake – these mass riots were not First Amendment activities; they were criminal riotous behavior. The actions of the USCP officers were heroic given the situation they faced, and I continue to have tremendous respect in the professionalism and dedication of the women and men of the United States Capitol Police," Sund said.

If you have witnessed unlawful violent actions, "we urge you to submit any information, photos, or videos that could be relevant at fbi.gov/USCapitol. Please use this form to submit any images, videos, or other multimedia files you have related to possible violations of federal law committed. Our goal is to preserve the public’s constitutional right to protest by protecting everyone from violence and other criminal activity," says the FBI.

The FBI is asking the public to also call ‪1-800-CALL-FBI (1-‪800-225-5324) to verbally report tips and/or information related to this investigation or to submit information at tips.fbi.gov.

Acting Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen on Thursday said the Department of Justice is committed to hold accountable those who were responsible for the “attack on our Government,” adding that some participants will face charges for the breach of the US Capitol.

Rosen, in a statement released said, “Yesterday, our Nation watched in disbelief as a mob breached the Capitol Building and required federal and local law enforcement to help restore order. The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that those responsible for this attack on our Government and the rule of law face the full consequences of their actions under the law. Our criminal prosecutors have been working throughout the evening with special agents and investigators from the U.S. Capitol Police, FBI, ATF, Metropolitan Police Department and the public to gather the evidence, identify perpetrators, and charge federal crimes where warranted. Some participants in yesterday’s violence will be charged today, and we will continue to methodically assess evidence, charge crimes and make arrests in the coming days and weeks to ensure that those responsible are held accountable under the law.”

Maria Henriquez joined Security Magazine in 2019 as its Associate Editor. Since then, she has been covering the security industry and reporting on issues affecting enterprise security leaders, to include cybersecurity, leadership and management, risk and resilience and pressing security challenges facing the industry. Within her role at Security, she works to produce several Special Reports and other stories for the monthly eMagazine, Newswire articles, Web Exclusive features, as well as manage social media, the 5 minutes with series, and the Today’s Cybersecurity Leader and Security enewsletter. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a bachelor’s in English and Creative Writing.

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