Prosecutors have charged more than 235 people for their alleged roles in the riot.
America watched as hordes of rioters on January 6 — crushing through windows, pressing up stairways, and sending lawmakers and law enforcement running for their lives. The flood of protesters who streamed into the Capitol that day left federal authorities with an equally immense task: finding and charging those responsible. So far, federal prosecutors have charged at least 235 people for their alleged roles in the riot and opened over 400 investigations into possible criminals. Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Sherwin said last month, « The scope and scale of this investigation in these cases are really unprecedented, not only in FBI history but probably DOJ history. » As law enforcement continues to round up alleged attackers, here’s what CBS News has learned about the over 235 people who were arrested: More than 235 defendants have been charged in federal court. Of those,70 were also indicted by grand juries, according to documents reviewed by CBS News. Sherwin said last month that prosecutors would move away from charging the easily identifiable « internet stars » who appeared in photos and on social media and begin to build more complicated conspiracy cases related to militia groups’ coordination during the attack. So far, at least 18 have been charged with conspiracy, a charge that alleges they coordinated with others to commit an offense. More than 20 have been charged under a destruction of government property statute. During proceedings for two of those defendants, the their crimes amounted to « terrorism » — an allegation that is not itself a charge, but could influence prison sentences if the men are found guilty. The FBI told CBS News earlier this month that 40 people have been arrested for assault on law enforcement officers. The crime carries penalties ranging from one to 20 years, depending on the circumstances of the assault.
