More than 150 charged over US Capitol rampage

WASHINGTON — More than 150 people have been charged with federal crimes so far over the Jan 6 rampage at the US Capitol by supporters of then president Donald Trump, the Justice Department said Tuesday (Jan 26).

Investigators have opened probes into more than 400 people who participated in the violent attack on the US legislature, said Mr Michael Sherwin, the acting federal prosecutor for Washington.

Making use of copious video footage and social media records of the attack, as well as a huge amount of tips from the public, the Justice Department expects the number of cases to keep rising.

"As we sit here right now, that list is growing," said Mr Sherwin.

Although many of the initial charges announced were for minor crimes of illegally entering the Capitol and disorderly conduct, Mr Sherwin said prosecutors have now added "significant" felony charges for most of the 150 suspects.

Those include assaulting police officers and disrupting a federal proceeding — the hundreds of attackers temporarily prevented lawmakers from certifying the election victory of President Joe Biden. 

Such charges carry penalties ranging from five to 20 years in prison.

And federal authorities are also investigating a number of participants for possible conspiracy and sedition charges, which can bring up to 20 years in prison.

So far, three people have been charged on that basis, he said.

That case is significant, Mr Sherwin said, because "it shows militia groups actively involved in planning and breaching the Capitol."

Mr Steven D'Antuono, the FBI agent in charge of the investigation, said they are still searching for the person or persons who planted two pipe bombs -- that did not explode -- near the Capitol that day.

The FBI has offered a US$75,000 (S$99,363) reward in that case.

Mr D'Antuono said the Jan 6 assault on the US legislature is among the largest cases the agency has handled, and has brought in more than 200,000 tips from the public. 

"This case is challenging, complex, and it is big," he said.

The officials spoke as the US Senate prepared to put Trump, who stepped down as president on Jan 20, on trial for incitement of insurrection for allegedly encouraging the attack. AFP