America watched hordes of protesters broke into the US Capitol on January 6 – smashing windows, pressing stairs up and making lawmakers and police officers run for their lives. The flood of protesters who invaded the Capitol that day left federal officials with an equally immense task: finding and prosecuting those responsible.
So far, federal prosecutors have accused at least 235 people for their alleged riot roles and opened more than 400 investigations into possible criminals.
United States Attorney General Michael Sherwin said last month, “The scope and scale of this investigation in these cases is truly unprecedented, not just in the history of the FBI, but probably in the history of the DOJ.”
As the police continue to arrest alleged intruders, here’s what CBS News found out about the more than 235 people
who were arrested:
How many were charged?
More than 235 defendants were charged in federal court. Of these, 70 were also indicted by juries, according to documents analyzed by CBS News.
Common charges
Sherwin said last month that prosecutors would no longer accuse the easily identifiable “internet stars” that appeared in photos and social media and begin to build more complicated conspiracy cases related to the coordination of militia groups during the attack. So far, at least 18 have been charged with conspiracy, a charge that alleges that they coordinated with others to commit a crime.
More than 20 were accused of destroying the government’s property status. During the process of two of these defendants, the said the government their crimes amounted to “terrorism” – an allegation that is not in itself an accusation, but can influence prison sentences if men are found guilty.
The FBI told CBS News earlier this month that 40 people were arrested for assaulting police officers. The crime carries penalties ranging from one to 20 years, depending on the circumstances of the assault. Federal prosecutors also accused at least 195 alleged demonstrators of “restricted construction or land”.
How many served in the army?
At least 20 of the prisoners are veterans and three are currently enlisted in the Armed Forces – two in the Army Reserve and one in the National Guard – according to military service records and court documents obtained by CBS News.
Of these 20, 10 served in the United States Navy, seven served in the Army, two served in the Navy, and one served in the Air Force.
The Army Reserve shared the following statement with CBS News: “The US Army Reserve takes all allegations of involvement of soldiers or Army civilians in extremist groups seriously and will address this issue in accordance with Army regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice to ensure due process. Ideologies and extremist activities are directly opposed to our values and beliefs and those who adhere to extremism have no place in our ranks. “
Where did they come from?
The alleged protesters come from at least 42 states outside Washington, DC Among the prisoners whose home states were known, the majority were from Texas, with 24 Texans accused so far. Pennsylvania and Florida had 19 residents arrested each, New York, 18, California, 12 and Ohio, 11.
How many worked in law enforcement?
At least five people worked as police officers at the time they allegedly participated in the riot, and since then, four have quit their jobs. A police officer from North Cornwall Township, Pennsylvania, was suspended without pay after being charged with, among other crimes, obstructing law enforcement during civil unrest. Houston Police Officer Tam Dinh Pham and Monmouth County Correctional Officer Marissa Suarez resigned after they were arrested, and two Virginia Police Officers they were fired after prosecutors accused them of their alleged conduct on Capitol Hill. In addition, a Florida firefighter was also arrested for his participation in the riot.
How many have extremist affiliations?
The authorities connected at least 31 alleged protesters to extremist groups, including Proud boys, Oath Keepers, Three percent, Texas Freedom Force and the conspiracy group QAnon.
How many were women?
Although the prisoners in the January 6 mob were mostly men, at least 29 women were also arrested for their alleged participation.
How many years were these prisoners?
Among the 74 defendants whose ages are known, the average age was 42. The alleged youngest known troublemaker is Bruno Joseph Cua, 18, who prosecutors accused of assaulting a police officer after he posted online: “President Trump is calling to FIGHT! ”
The oldest was Lonnie Coffman, 70, an Alabama man who, according to authorities, brought a car full of weapons and explosives to Washington, DC
How many were released?
At least 111 people were sent home after paying bail or agreeing to a supervised release.
How many clues are being followed?
The federal police issued more than 500 subpoenas to the grand jury and search warrants, and the FBI received more than 200,000 digital media tips from people hoping to share evidence of the riot.
Recent updates on notable cases
Federal Attorneys indicted six members of the Oath Keepers militia, which the government added as co-defendants to an existing charge of three alleged Oath Keepers. Seven in the group were part of a tactical “pile” of people dressed in combat clothing who pushed through the crowds to enter the Capitol, the government said.
At least two Capitol protesters may have committed “terrorism crimes”, prosecutors say, which is a reason to detain them without bail pending trial – and could mean longer sentences if found guilty.
The lawyers of at least seven accused protesters have referenced Mr. Trump strives to explain his clients’ actions, according to statements and documents analyzed by CBS News.
A man the authorities say is a leader of the far-right militia Oath Keepers has maintained A top secret security clearance for decades and has worked for the FBI, his lawyer said.
Paulina Smolinski contributed to this report.