(WWJ) A top federal prosecutor in Michigan and the FBI are urging the public to send in tips of they know of anyone who joined the violent mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol.
U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider — whose jurisdiction covers a 34-county area, including metro Detroit — said investigators are reviewing video surveillance and other evidence, as they seek to identify the people involved.
The FBI said, specifically, they're looking for information on people who were actively instigating violence; accepting tips and digital media depicting rioting and violence in the U.S. Capitol Building and surrounding area in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6.
The goal of the investigation is "to preserve the public’s constitutional right to protest by protecting everyone from violence and other criminal activity," according to the FBI.
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Six Michigan residents who traveled to Washington D.C. to protest a congressional vote to ratify President Elect Joe Biden's victory were arrested by D.C. police. Five were are charged with curfew violations, one of them also for for unlawful entry, and one faces gun charges.
In total, D.C. police said more than 70 arrests were made. [See a list of people arrested, HERE.]
Tweeting during the riots, Schneider wrote: "The violent protesters at the U.S. Capitol right now are committing crimes, and they must stop immediately. Our Constitution protects peaceful protests-not this. Just as the violence in our cities this summer was prosecuted, this violence should be treated the same under the law."
Meanwhile, a top federal prosecutor for the District of Columbia says “all options are on the table” for charging members mob — including sedition charges.
Anyone who witnessed "unlawful violent actions" is urged to submit any information, photos, or videos that could be relevant to the #FBI at http://fbi.gov/USCapitol. Tipsters may also call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
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