It may have been a national incident when a mob of pro-Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday — prompting violence, mayhem and at least one death — during the certification of the Electoral College results.
But the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio David DeVillers and the Cincinnati FBI are more interested in a local angle.
DeVillers and his office are currently investigating "any potential violations of federal crime at the United States Capitol Building on Jan. 6, 2021 committed by individuals from the Southern District of Ohio," says a release.
“We are in continual contact with the FBI and they are actively investigating,” DeVillers says. “There is no set timeframe for investigations to conclude.”
FBI Director Christopher Wray issued his own statement, saying: "The violence and destruction of property at the U.S. Capitol building yesterday showed a blatant and appalling disregard for our institutions of government and the orderly administration of the democratic process. As we’ve said consistently, we do not tolerate violent agitators and extremists who use the guise of First Amendment-protected activity to incite violence and wreak havoc. Such behavior betrays the values of our democracy. Make no mistake: With our partners, we will hold accountable those who participated in yesterday’s siege of the Capitol."
Charges that could be applied to those who participated? The Southern District of Ohio says:
- 18 United States Code section 231 – Civil Disorder, which prohibits adversely affecting any federally protected function or obstructing any law enforcement officer from the performance of official duties, punishable by up to five years in prison.
- 18 United States Code section 2101 – The Federal Riot Act, which applies to anyone who traveled interstate to incite, promote, or participate in a riot. This includes anyone who aided or abetted individuals who carried on a riot or committed a violent crime in furtherance of a riot. The crime is punishable by up to five years in prison.
- 18 United States Code section 2383 – Rebellion or insurrection. This law states that whoever incites, assists or engages in any rebellion or insurrection against the United States faces up to 10 years in prison.
DeVillers says the investigation is ongoing and if you have any info, contact the FBI at 513-421-4310 or submit at tip to fbi.gov/USCapitol.