At a press conference from the Justice Department on Tuesday, the FBI addressed last Wednesday's violence on Capitol Hill, and the steps they're taking to identify and bring the culprits to justice. The protests interrupted Congress's electoral college certification and, more tragically, five people are now dead in the aftermath of the chaos.
"To be clear, the brutality the American people watched with shock and disbelief will not be tolerated by the FBI," Steven D'Auntuono, the FBI Washington Field Office ADIC said on Tuesday.
"We are up to the challenge...The FBI will leave no stone unturned in this investigation," he added.
The FBI has opened over 160 case laws, and D'Auntuono said "that's just the tip of the iceberg."
JUST IN: FBI briefs on US Capitol riots
— NBC News (@NBCNews) January 12, 2021
• Opened 160 case files: "That's just the tip of the iceberg."
• Received 100,000 pieces of digital media from public
• “Even if you left DC, agents from our local field offices will be knocking on your door.” pic.twitter.com/j8h3sLYF6Z
The agency has received over 100,000 pieces of digital media, which D'Auntuono called "fantastic." And as Acting US Attorney for DC Michael Sherwin noted, they've already charged over 70 cases.
The scope and scale of the investigation, Sherwin said, is "unprecedented."
Agents are currently looking for the individuals who planted pipe bombs outside the Capitol, as well as those who assaulted police officers, members of the press, etc. One Capitol Police officer, Brian Sicknick, died from his injuries. The FBI is treating each case equally.
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"We're looking at significant felony cases tied to sedition and conspiracy," Sherwin noted, charges which could come with 20-year prison sentences. He added that people "are going to be shocked with some of the egregious conduct that happened in the Capitol."
BREAKING: DOJ says "we're looking at significant felony cases tied to sedition and conspiracy," charges that have prison terms of up to 20 years.
— NBC News (@NBCNews) January 12, 2021
“You will be charged and you will be found," acting US attorney in DC Michael Sherwin says. pic.twitter.com/1lj8Bbk01L
"We cannot do our job without the help of the American people," urged D'Auntuono.
If you have information, the FBI instructed, dial 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324).
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