Correction: This story has been updated to note that a Defense officer corrected a statement that 25 soldiers are under investigation for terrorism related to the Capitol siege. There are 25 people under investigation, some of whom may be soldiers.
WASHINGTON – At least 25 people are under investigation for terrorism related to Wednesday’s siege of the Capitol, according to a defense official and a member of Congress.
Rep. Jason Crow, a Colorado Democrat and former Army Ranger, said he spoke with Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy on Sunday and was told that “at least 25 cases of domestic terrorism have been opened as a result of the Capitol attack.”
A defense official informed of the call initially confirmed that the cases involved troops, but later corrected that statement. The official said that some troops – active and in reserve – may have been involved in the riot and the military will investigate them as needed.
“There is a concern that the military may be involved in the riot,” said the official.
Those being investigated for domestic terrorism are suspected of participating in the uprising that closed Congress by formalizing the victory of President-elect Joe Biden at the Electoral College. Five people died, including a Capitol police officer, after the pro-Trump crowd broke into the security lines.
“We are committed to identifying all those who participated in the violation of the Capitol, regardless of their affiliation,” said Justice spokesman Marc Raimondi on Sunday.
The Pentagon was also asked to review all members of the security team for the Jan. 20 inauguration to ensure that they “do not sympathize with domestic terrorists,” said Crow.
President Donald Trump encouraged thousands of his followers to march on Capitol Hill after addressing them outside the White House on Wednesday.
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Contributing: Kevin Johnson
This article originally appeared in USA TODAY: 25 people under investigation for terrorism related to Capitol riots