FBI Creates Website To Help Identify Instigators At Capitol Occupation
Jan 7, 2021, 8:52 AM | Updated: 8:57 am
FILE (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The FBI on Thursday launched a website to help with the investigation into the protest at the U.S. Capitol Wednesday that led to a riot and a violent occupation of the Capitol Building.
According to the site fbi.gov/USCapitol, investigators are seeking information in identifying individuals who were actively instigating violence.
The FBI is seeking to identify individuals instigating violence in Washington, D.C. We are accepting tips and digital media depicting rioting or violence in and around the U.S. Capitol on January 6. If you have information, visit https://t.co/buMd8vYXzH.
— FBI (@FBI) January 7, 2021
The site allows users to submit information along with photos or videos that might be relevant to the investigation. Tipsters can also call 1-800-CALL-FBI to report information.
“Our goal is to preserve the public’s constitutional right to protest by protecting everyone from violence and other criminal activity,” according to the website.
As Congress was counting and certifying the presidential election votes on Wednesday, a group of Trump supporters breached the Capitol building, making their way past police and breaking windows to gain entry.
The vote certification had to be put on hold as lawmakers were escorted to safety. The occupiers destroyed property inside, and one of the protesters was shot and killed by Capitol Police during the incident.
Three other people died due to “medical emergencies” during the event, authorities said.
Police said 52 people were arrested as of Wednesday night, and 14 officers were injured.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
