FBI warns about violence prospect
WASHINGTON — The FBI warned law enforcement agencies ahead of last week’s breach of the US Capitol about the potential for extremist-driven violence, US officials said on Tuesday, contradicting earlier statements that they were caught off guard by the assault by supporters of President Donald Trump.
Nearly a week after the riot, officials said they were combing through mountains of evidence and vowed to aggressively seek out those who perpetrated the brazen attack on the US Capitol.
Though most of the charges brought so far have been misdemeanors, acting US attorney Michael Sherwin said the Justice Department was considering bringing sedition charges against some of the rioters, effectively accusing them of attempting to overthrow or defeat the government.
“This is only the beginning,” Mr Sherwin said.
“We’re going to focus on the most significant charges as a deterrent because, regardless of it was just a trespass in the Capitol or if someone planted a pipe bomb, you will be charged and you will be found.”
The Justice Department has created a specialised strike force to examine the possibility of sedition charges, which could carry up to 20 years in prison. Officials said they were using some of the same techniques in the riot probe as they use in international counterterrorism investigations, examining the money flow and movement of defendants leading up to the breach.