55 charged after pro-Trump rioters storm Capitol News
Photo credit: Stephanie Sundier
55 charged after pro-Trump rioters storm Capitol

Fifty-five people have been charged with crimes after a group of pro-Trump rioters broke into the US Capitol on Wednesday.

Some of the criminal charges were filed regarding events before the siege on the Capitol, including a case against Enrique Tarrio, leader of the far-right Proud Boys group. While many of the arrests so far have been due to curfew violations, Michael Sherwin, Acting US Attorney, has indicated that a plethora of charges may be brought against the rioters. When asked by reporters about potential charges including sedition or insurrection, Sherwin replied that “[a]ll of those charges are on the table.”

The rioters stormed the Capitol to interrupt the Congressional counting of electoral college votes in an attempt to subvert the election of President-elect Joe Biden. The riots grew violent shortly after President Donald Trump addressed his supporters and encouraged them to move to the Capitol. The riots left four dead—one of gunfire, and three of other medical emergencies.

While Trump has agreed to work toward an orderly and seamless transition of power in a speech given in the aftermath of these riots, many believe his words are not enough. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has announced that she is drafting articles of impeachment and other political officials have suggested invoking the 25th Amendment to remove the President from power, two weeks before the end of his term. Numerous Trump administration officials have resigned in the wake of the riots, including Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.

More than 90 arrests have been made so far. While more arrests of rioters and criminal charges are probable, the initial arrests in DC are dwarfed by the number of arrests made in the wake of the killing of George Floyd in June, when more than 300 protesters were arrested.

The FBI is actively investigating the January 6 riots and has asked the public for tips or information, which can be provided here.