275 cases open in Capitol riot investigation, US prosecutors say
That number will easily grow to over 300 by the end of the day, Michael Sherwin, acting US Attorney for the District of Columbia, told reporters Friday.
Shocking new details show the riot last week was extraordinarily violent and posed mortal danger to the top members of the US government.
While that may have been the motivation of some, Sherwin said that “we don’t have any direct evidence of kill-capture teams,” but added that counterterrorism prosecutors are still looking at coordination between groups.
Pence, per the Post, remained in the Senate chamber for about 14 minutes after Capitol Police reported the initial attempted breach of the building.
Police being investigated
Authorities are investigating a growing number of current law enforcement officers who allegedly participated in the riots.
“Unfortunately as this case goes on we’re seeing indications that law enforcement officers, both former and current, maybe who have been off duty, participating in this riot activity,” Sherwin said.
Two police officers from Rocky Mount, Virginia, were arrested Thursday on federal charges relating to the riot, Sherwin said.
“We don’t care what your profession is, who you are, who you are affiliated with, if you are conducting or engaged in criminal activity, we will charge you and you will be arrested,” Sherwin said.
No deals
Even though some federal defendants are self-surrendering, they will not be able to cut deals where their defense attorneys negotiate with prosecutors at this time.
“We’re not cutting deals with anyone. Even if people are self-reporting, they will be held accountable,” Sherwin said.
Sometimes in large investigations, prosecutors allow defendants to negotiate down their charges if they offer law enforcement assistance.
Prosecutors have noted in court filings how several charged defendants have already spoken to investigators about the riot and how many have posted about their experience or footage they took of the riots on social media.
This story is breaking and will be updated.
CNN’s Katelyn Polantz and David Shortell contributed to this report.
