Billboards ask for public’s help in finding Capitol rioters
The FBI is putting up billboards nationwide, including several in central Ohio, asking for information regarding the attack on the U.S. Capitol earlier this month.
There are no names or pictures of specific suspects on the billboards. Rather, the billboards are asking the public to call in or submit digital media tips related to the riots. The FBI'S tip line is posted, along with an agency webpage dedicated to the Capitol attack.
Following the attack, many of the people who participated in the riots left the D.C. area and returned to their home states. These billboards are helping the FBI extend their reach into communities across the country, said Todd Lindgren, an FBI spokesman in Cincinnati.
“By using electronic billboards, the FBI is able to reach different segments of the public, including audiences who may not use social and traditional media,” Lindgren said.
Lindgren said the FBI worked with the Out of Home Advertising Association of America to have the company's digital billboard members run these messages where space is available. Because of that, Lindgren said he's uncertain exactly how many billboards are in central Ohio. At least two electronic billboards have been spotted around Columbus, both along Henderson Road near Upper Arlington. One billboard is up near Newark off Route 16 near the Church Street exit.
Three suspects in connection to the Capitol attacks have already been arrested in the Southern District of Ohio: Donovan Ray Crowl, Christine Priola and Jessica Watkins.
Over the years, Lindgren said the FBI has captured 58 individuals as a direct result of digital billboard publicity.
Anyone with information regarding the attacks of the U.S. Capitol can call 1-800-CALL-FBI or visit www.fbi.gov/uscapitol. shendrix@dispatch.com @sheridan120