CLEVELAND – US Attorney Justin Herdman issued a warning to citizens of northeastern Ohio who traveled to Washington DC to protest against President Elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College certification. He said that anyone who participated in illegal acts in the midst of chaos will be prosecuted.
“I have two days left on this job. I can sleep very little in the time that I have left. If these people, or anyone else who committed federal crimes on Capitol today, are from northern Ohio, you will be held responsible before I step down, ”tweeted Herdman. “Coffee is brewing …”
I have two days left on this job. I can sleep very little in the time that I have left. If these people, or anyone else who committed federal crimes on Capitol today, are from northern Ohio, you will be held responsible before I step down. Coffee is brewing … https://t.co/N0K73tC7Wr
– US Attorney Herdman (@USAttyHerdman) January 6, 2021
Herdman announced last month that he would step down in January. The first assistant attorney in the United States, Bridget Brennan, will take office this month.
RELATED: US Attorney Justin Herdman resigns
On Wednesday morning, hundreds of Donald Trump supporters traveled to Washington by bus to join the planned protests. About 250-300 supporters were seen carrying posters and flags as they boarded the bus leaving Garfield Heights just after 2 am.
RELATED: Seven buses packed with Trump supporters leave Cleveland for Washington DC
Congress met in a joint session on Wednesday in a constitutionally ordered process to count the votes of the Electoral College and formally select President-elect Joe Biden as the winner of the 2020 election until supporters of President Trump broke through the barricades around the Capitol building, forcing a blockade and evacuation of lawmakers.
Police say they believe the protesters managed to enter the Capitol building by dumping irritating chemicals on the security forces.
The Metropolitan Police confirm that a person was shot and killed inside the Capitol.
RELATED: Woman shot inside the Capitol during riot died
CNN reported that at least two explosive devices were found around DC today.
President-elect Joe Biden said the events were not a protest but an “insurrection” and asked President Trump to “hurry up”.
The National Guard was later dispatched to contain the disturbances. It is not known whether any Ohio citizen was arrested.
A citywide curfew is currently in effect in Washington.
Live blog: ‘Chemical irritants’ used to enter at least 13 prisoners, police say
CLICK HERE to read News 5’s coverage of Chaos in the Capitol.
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