A man who threatened to set off a&nbsp;bomb&nbsp;on Washington's&nbsp;Capitol&nbsp;Hill&nbsp;surrendered to police Thursday, ending an hours-long&nbsp;standoff&nbsp;that rattled lawmakers still shaken by January's pro-Trump insurrection.

The incident triggered evacuations and a massive police response, and sent jolts of anxiety through a city that has spent months on alert, as political tensions soared following the deadly US&nbsp;Capitol&nbsp;riot.

The&nbsp;suspect, an apparent right-wing extremist identified by US&nbsp;Capitol&nbsp;Police as Floyd Ray Roseberry, had been broadcasting live on social media from his truck, assailing President Joe Biden and Democrats, warning of a "revolution," and complaining about the US government and its policy in Afghanistan.

He had also claimed that four more sets of explosives were lying in wait in Washington and that they would be detonated, along with his&nbsp;bomb, if police used deadly force against him.

Much of the complex was cordoned off as police and FBI agents negotiated with the driver, who police said had appeared to have a detonator in his hand.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-says-49-ebola-contact-cases-identified-in-ivory-coast-406976">Also read |&nbsp;WHO says 49 Ebola contact cases identified in Ivory Coast</a>

"He got out of the vehicle and surrendered, and the tactical units that were close by took him into custody without incident," US&nbsp;Capitol&nbsp;Police Chief Thomas Manger told reporters.

Law enforcement were still investigating whether the vehicle, which was parked on the sidewalk next to the Library of Congress, contained actual explosives.

Manger&nbsp;said it was unclear what Roseberry's motives were, but in his Facebook Live steam he issued a series of incoherent threats and asked to speak to Biden.

"I'm trying to get Joe Biden on the phone. I'm parked up here on the sidewalk right beside all this pretty stuff," said the bald-headed man with a salt-and-pepper goatee, wearing a white T-shirt.

"I'm not hurting nobody Joe. I'm not pulling the trigger on this thing. I can't," he said. "I'm telling you, them snipers come in, they start shooting this window out, this&nbsp;bomb's going off."&nbsp;

'The revolution'

The live feed showed Roseberry in his vehicle holding a metal can with clay and a box with buttons and wires on the top, but it was unclear if the contraption was a viable explosive device.

While he did not claim a political affiliation, he referred at one point to "the revolution" and said: "I'm looking for all my other patriots to come out and help me."

Later he lashed out at Biden's party, saying: "You all know what you're doing, Democrats? You're killing America."

Facebook's policy communications director Andy Stone said the profile in question had been removed and the incident was being investigated.

While it remained unclear whether the&nbsp;bomb&nbsp;threat&nbsp;was genuine, the Library of Congress's main buildings were evacuated, as was the nearby US Supreme Court and at least one of the three House office buildings.&nbsp;

The Republican National Committee headquarters was also reportedly evacuated and the Washington Metro's&nbsp;Capitol&nbsp;South subway station closed as a precaution.

A White House official said Biden was briefed on the&nbsp;standoff.

'Threat&nbsp;to every community'

Both the Senate and House of Representatives are currently on recess, but some lawmakers have remained in Washington and staffers are working in the complex.

House Democrat Bill Pascrell offered fierce condemnation of the&nbsp;suspect&nbsp;during the&nbsp;standoff, in comments that echoed the trauma of the insurrection which rocked the&nbsp;Capitol&nbsp;in January.

"A right-wing extremist is now threatening to detonate a&nbsp;bomb&nbsp;at the US&nbsp;Capitol," he tweeted. "Right wing domestic terrorism is a&nbsp;threat&nbsp;to every community in the United States."

Tensions remain high more than seven months after the January 6 riot, when supporters of then-president Donald Trump stormed the US&nbsp;Capitol, fought with police and sought to block certification of the presidential election.

In April, a man rammed a car into&nbsp;Capitol&nbsp;barriers, killing one officer before the attacker was shot and killed.

The January uprising prompted authorities to erect tall metal fencing and razor wire around the&nbsp;Capitol&nbsp;complex, which only came down in July.

A man who threatened to set off a bomb on Washington's Capitol Hill surrendered to police Thursday, ending an hours-long standoff that rattled lawmakers still shaken by January's pro-Trump insurrection.

A man who threatened to set off a bomb on Washington's Capitol Hill surrendered to police Thursday, ending an hours-long standoff that rattled lawmakers still shaken by January's pro-Trump insurrection. The incident triggered evacuations and a massive police response, and sent jolts of anxiety through a city that has spent months on alert, as political tensions soared following the deadly US Capitol riot. The suspect, an apparent right-wing extremist identified by US Capitol Police as Floyd Ray Roseberry, had been broadcasting live on social media from his truck, assailing President Joe Biden and Democrats, warning of a "revolution," and complaining about the US government and its policy in Afghanistan. He had also claimed that four more sets of explosives were lying in wait in Washington and that they would be detonated, along with his bomb, if police used deadly force against him. Much of the complex was cordoned off as police and FBI agents negotiated with the driver, who police said had appeared to have a detonator in his hand. Also read | WHO says 49 Ebola contact cases identified in Ivory Coast "He got out of the vehicle and surrendered, and the tactical units that were close by took him into custody without incident," US Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger told reporters. Law enforcement were still investigating whether the vehicle, which was parked on the sidewalk next to the Library of Congress, contained actual explosives. Manger said it was unclear what Roseberry's motives were, but in his Facebook Live steam he issued a series of incoherent threats and asked to speak to Biden. "I'm trying to get Joe Biden on the phone. I'm parked up here on the sidewalk right beside all this pretty stuff," said the bald-headed man with a salt-and-pepper goatee, wearing a white T-shirt. "I'm not hurting nobody Joe. I'm not pulling the trigger on this thing. I can't," he said. "I'm telling you, them snipers come in, they start shooting this window out, this bomb's going off." 'The revolution' The live feed showed Roseberry in his vehicle holding a metal can with clay and a box with buttons and wires on the top, but it was unclear if the contraption was a viable explosive device. While he did not claim a political affiliation, he referred at one point to "the revolution" and said: "I'm looking for all my other patriots to come out and help me." Later he lashed out at Biden's party, saying: "You all know what you're doing, Democrats? You're killing America." Facebook's policy communications director Andy Stone said the profile in question had been removed and the incident was being investigated. While it remained unclear whether the bomb threat was genuine, the Library of Congress's main buildings were evacuated, as was the nearby US Supreme Court and at least one of the three House office buildings. The Republican National Committee headquarters was also reportedly evacuated and the Washington Metro's Capitol South subway station closed as a precaution. A White House official said Biden was briefed on the standoff. 'Threat to every community' Both the Senate and House of Representatives are currently on recess, but some lawmakers have remained in Washington and staffers are working in the complex. House Democrat Bill Pascrell offered fierce condemnation of the suspect during the standoff, in comments that echoed the trauma of the insurrection which rocked the Capitol in January. "A right-wing extremist is now threatening to detonate a bomb at the US Capitol," he tweeted. "Right wing domestic terrorism is a threat to every community in the United States." Tensions remain high more than seven months after the January 6 riot, when supporters of then-president Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol, fought with police and sought to block certification of the presidential election. In April, a man rammed a car into Capitol barriers, killing one officer before the attacker was shot and killed. The January uprising prompted authorities to erect tall metal fencing and razor wire around the Capitol complex, which only came down in July.

Capitol Hill bomb threat standoff ends as suspect surrenders

Two off duty police officers, Alexander Everett and Caitlin Everett, who stood by during the US Capitol riots in Washington DC on January 6, have lost their jobs.&nbsp;

The married couple from Seattle was fired following the recommendations of an inquiry into the attack. It says that they trespassed onto restricted grounds.

Also, they stood by in the immediate vicinity of an "active insurrection".

Since the attack, at least 535 rioters have been arrested.

The decision to sack the two police officers was taken by Seattle's interim police chief Adrian Diaz.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-man-arrested-for-suspected-murder-of-swiss-woman-in-phuket-403949">Also read |&nbsp;Thai man arrested for suspected murder of Swiss woman in Phuket</a>

As per the investigation, the two police officers downplayed their actions in Washington DC.

Mr Diaz said such behaviour by law enforcement officers could not be tolerated.

The couple attended the pro-Trump rally that took place before the mob entered the Capitol. They say they were yards away and did not witness the assault.

The prosecutors have so far managed to secure only a few convictions into the attack. This has been aimed at disrupting the confirmation of Democrat Joe Biden's victory in last year's presidential election.

Two off duty police officers, Alexander Everett and Caitlin Everett, who stood by during the US Capitol riots in Washington DC on January 6, have lost their jobs.

Two off duty police officers, Alexander Everett and Caitlin Everett, who stood by during the US Capitol riots in Washington DC on January 6, have lost their jobs. The married couple from Seattle was fired following the recommendations of an inquiry into the attack. It says that they trespassed onto restricted grounds. Also, they stood by in the immediate vicinity of an "active insurrection". Since the attack, at least 535 rioters have been arrested. The decision to sack the two police officers was taken by Seattle's interim police chief Adrian Diaz. Also read | Thai man arrested for suspected murder of Swiss woman in Phuket As per the investigation, the two police officers downplayed their actions in Washington DC. Mr Diaz said such behaviour by law enforcement officers could not be tolerated. The couple attended the pro-Trump rally that took place before the mob entered the Capitol. They say they were yards away and did not witness the assault. The prosecutors have so far managed to secure only a few convictions into the attack. This has been aimed at disrupting the confirmation of Democrat Joe Biden's victory in last year's presidential election.

Off-duty Seattle police officers fired over assault

The US Capitol is on high alert as it braces for President Joe Biden's first address to a joint session of Congress. Security has been ramped up as the deadly attack on the Capitol was carried out by former President Donald Trump's supporters on 6 January.

US Capitol on high alert for Biden’s first address to Congress

The former US President and reality TV star, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, has come out in support of his followers who were a part of the Capitol riots that took place on January 06.

Trump, who has been labelled as the man behind these riots, has defended some of his supporters, claiming that some of these rioters posed "zero threat" to the lawmakers who were trapped inside the US Capitol building.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-north-korea-to-re-run-in-2024-biden-addresses-first-press-conference-373194" hreflang="en">From North Korea to re-run in 2024: Biden addresses first press conference</a>

Several lawmakers, including Nancy Pelosi and former Vice President Mike Pence, had assembled in the Capitol building to certify the electoral college vote to confirm <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden's</a> election <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">victory</a> against Trump.

While the lawmakers were assembling to begin the proceedings, Trump, during a rally, encouraged his supporters to march to the Capitol and take back the building. He has been since then accused of instilling the feeling of violence in his supporters, which led to the deadly riots that killed five people.

Trump acknowledged that his supporters "went in and they shouldn’t have done it". However, he quickly turned his statement to prove that the rioters did not mean harm to anyone present in the building.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
"It was zero threat, right from the start, it was zero threat" -- Trump on the January 6 insurrection that left 5 dead, including a police officer <a href="https://t.co/6YBho1bywM">pic.twitter.com/6YBho1bywM</a>
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) <a href="https://twitter.com/atrupar/status/1375272093793783808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"Some of them went in and they’re, they’re hugging and kissing the police and the guards. You know, they had great relationships. A lot of the people were waved in and then they walked in and they walked out," Trump said during an interview with Fox News’s Laura Ingraham.

During the interview, Trump also did not shy away from criticising the top US infectious disease expert, Dr Anthony Fauci. "I frankly didn’t listen to him too much," Trump claimed.

Fauci was a key adviser at the start of the pandemic but was later ignored by the president as Fauci started pointing out errors in the White House's policy against the deadly coronavirus, which took millions of lives in the US. Fauci has also described it to be a "liberating feeling" in January when he started working for the Biden administration.

The former US President and reality TV star, Donald Trump, has come out in support of his followers who were a part of the Capitol riots that took place on January 06.

The former US President and reality TV star, Donald Trump, has come out in support of his followers who were a part of the Capitol riots that took place on January 06. Trump, who has been labelled as the man behind these riots, has defended some of his supporters, claiming that some of these rioters posed "zero threat" to the lawmakers who were trapped inside the US Capitol building. Also read | From North Korea to re-run in 2024: Biden addresses first press conference Several lawmakers, including Nancy Pelosi and former Vice President Mike Pence, had assembled in the Capitol building to certify the electoral college vote to confirm Joe Biden's election victory against Trump. While the lawmakers were assembling to begin the proceedings, Trump, during a rally, encouraged his supporters to march to the Capitol and take back the building. He has been since then accused of instilling the feeling of violence in his supporters, which led to the deadly riots that killed five people. Trump acknowledged that his supporters "went in and they shouldn’t have done it". However, he quickly turned his statement to prove that the rioters did not mean harm to anyone present in the building. "It was zero threat, right from the start, it was zero threat" -- Trump on the January 6 insurrection that left 5 dead, including a police officer pic.twitter.com/6YBho1bywM — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 26, 2021 × "Some of them went in and they’re, they’re hugging and kissing the police and the guards. You know, they had great relationships. A lot of the people were waved in and then they walked in and they walked out," Trump said during an interview with Fox News’s Laura Ingraham. During the interview, Trump also did not shy away from criticising the top US infectious disease expert, Dr Anthony Fauci. "I frankly didn’t listen to him too much," Trump claimed. Fauci was a key adviser at the start of the pandemic but was later ignored by the president as Fauci started pointing out errors in the White House's policy against the deadly coronavirus, which took millions of lives in the US. Fauci has also described it to be a "liberating feeling" in January when he started working for the Biden administration.

'Zero threat': Donald Trump defends his supporters in Capitol riots

FBI Director Chris Wray will testify to the US Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday about the investigation of the deadly attack on the Capitol by Donald Trump's supporters and the bureau's efforts to stop right-wing extremist violence.&nbsp;

The hearing will mark Wray's first testimony before Congress since the January 6 attack, a failed bid to block Congress from certifying President Joe Biden's election victory in November.&nbsp;

The Justice Department has charged more than 250 people on criminal counts, ranging from conspiracy to attacking police and obstructing Congress. The rioting led to five deaths.&nbsp;

At least 18 people associated with the far-right Proud Boys have been charged and nine people tied to the anti-government militia known as the Oath Keepers are facing charges they conspired as far back as November to storm the Capitol to prevent Biden from becoming president.&nbsp;

The FBI has not yet arrested any suspects in the death of Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, or for pipe bombs that were discovered outside the headquarters of both the Republican and Democratic national committees.&nbsp;

The FBI has obtained a video that shows a suspect spraying bear spray on police officers, including Sicknick, according to a law enforcement source familiar with the investigation.&nbsp;

The suspect has not yet been identified by name, and it is still not clear if the bear spray contributed to Sicknick's death.&nbsp;

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin said he spoke directly with Wray on how the bureau is allocating resources to the investigation, and said that for far too long, the federal government has 'turned a blind eye' to the threats of domestic terrorism by white supremacists.&nbsp;

FBI Director Chris Wray will testify to the US Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday about the investigation of the deadly attack on the Capitol by Donald Trump's supporters and the bureau's efforts to stop right-wing extremist violence.

FBI Director Chris Wray will testify to the US Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday about the investigation of the deadly attack on the Capitol by Donald Trump's supporters and the bureau's efforts to stop right-wing extremist violence. The hearing will mark Wray's first testimony before Congress since the January 6 attack, a failed bid to block Congress from certifying President Joe Biden's election victory in November. The Justice Department has charged more than 250 people on criminal counts, ranging from conspiracy to attacking police and obstructing Congress. The rioting led to five deaths. At least 18 people associated with the far-right Proud Boys have been charged and nine people tied to the anti-government militia known as the Oath Keepers are facing charges they conspired as far back as November to storm the Capitol to prevent Biden from becoming president. The FBI has not yet arrested any suspects in the death of Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, or for pipe bombs that were discovered outside the headquarters of both the Republican and Democratic national committees. The FBI has obtained a video that shows a suspect spraying bear spray on police officers, including Sicknick, according to a law enforcement source familiar with the investigation. The suspect has not yet been identified by name, and it is still not clear if the bear spray contributed to Sicknick's death. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin said he spoke directly with Wray on how the bureau is allocating resources to the investigation, and said that for far too long, the federal government has 'turned a blind eye' to the threats of domestic terrorism by white supremacists.

FBI Director to testify before Congress over Capitol assault 

The Justice Department continued building cases Wednesday against people accused of storming the Capitol, arresting a leader of the far-right group the Proud Boys and charging two men with conspiracy in an effort to block certification of President Joe Biden’s victory in the election.

Ethan Nordean, self-described “sergeant of arms” of the Seattle chapter of the Proud Boys, was arrested Wednesday morning, federal prosecutors said. He had been under investigation for more than a week after prosecutors named him in court papers as a chief organizer of a mob of about 100 other members of the group that marched through Washington on Jan. 6, ending at the Capitol building.

Separately, Nicholas DeCarlo, a 30-year-old Texas man, and Nicholas Ochs, a founder of Hawaii’s chapter of the Proud Boys, were charged with conspiring with one another and unnamed co-conspirators to stop the certification of Biden’s Electoral College win as part of last month’s riot at the Capitol, according to the indictment.

The case against DeCarlo and Ochs was announced by John Demers, head of the Justice Department’s national security division, the U.S. attorney in Washington and the FBI’s Washington field office.

Their indictments highlighted the government’s effort to bring more serious charges against some of the scores of people who were initially charged with lesser crimes after the attack. The two men had earlier been charged with unlawful entry and obstructing an official proceeding.

DeCarlo and Ochs were charged in an indictment with conspiring with others to create a plan to stop Congress, raising money online to fund travel to Washington to carry out their plan, crossing state lines to obstruct Congress and forcibly storming the Capitol building.

Combined with the separate charges against Nordean, the indictment against Ochs and DeCarlo underscored the increasingly prominent role that the Proud Boys are accused of playing in the assault.

Leaders of the Proud Boys have sought to distance themselves from the riots, even as federal investigators scrutinize them as they seek to determine the full scope of the group’s involvement.

In the indictment against DeCarlo and Ochs, prosecutors said the men carved the words “MURDER THE MEDIA” into the Capitol’s Memorial Door.

The case is part of a strike force created by Michael Sherwin, the U.S. attorney in Washington, to examine violent actions that targeted members of the news media, the Justice Department said. Sherwin said at a recent news conference that it was “the height of hypocrisy” to attack journalists while invoking the First Amendment to justify illegally entering the Capitol.

DeCarlo was also seen in photos taken inside the Capitol during the riots wearing a shirt and hat that said “MT Media,” which investigators said stands for “Murder the Media.”

Prosecutors say that Nordean, carrying a bullhorn, led a 100-person mob and entered the Capitol with another top-ranking Proud Boys leader, Joseph Biggs, who is also facing charges in connection with the attack.

In a criminal complaint against Nordean, prosecutors said he and other Proud Boys “were planning in advance to organize a group that would attempt to overwhelm police barricades and enter” the Capitol.

The 21-page complaint also said that, before marching on the building, Nordean had a brief exchange with another man charged in the assault, Robert Gieswein, of Woodland Park, Colorado, who has been accused of being a member of the far-right militia the Three Percenters.

Nordean, 30, of Auburn, Washington, was near the front of a crowd of rioters that confronted an outnumbered detachment of Capitol Police officers Jan. 6, prosecutors said. Moving past the officers, prosecutors said, he and other members of the Proud Boys forced their way into the building.

Before the attack on the Capitol, Nordean gave hints of an “intent to organize a group that intended to engage in conflict,” according to a news release issued Wednesday by the U.S. attorney’s office in Washington.

In late December, for example, he posted a message asking for donations of “protective gear” and “communications equipment,” prosecutors said. About a week later, prosecutors added, Nordean posted a video online, discussing what he described as “blatant rampant voter fraud” and saying that the Proud Boys were going to “bring back that original spirit of 1776 of what really established the character of what America is.”

After the assault, prosecutors say, Nordean continued writing inflammatory messages.

On Jan. 8, they said, he posted a photo on social media showing a police officer spraying pepper spray. The caption read, “If you feel bad for the police, you are part of the problem.”

The Justice Department continued building cases Wednesday against people accused of storming the Capitol, arresting a leader of the far-right group the Proud Boys and charging two men with conspiracy in an effort to block certification of President Joe Biden’s victory in the election.

The Justice Department continued building cases Wednesday against people accused of storming the Capitol, arresting a leader of the far-right group the Proud Boys and charging two men with conspiracy in an effort to block certification of President Joe Biden’s victory in the election. Ethan Nordean, self-described “sergeant of arms” of the Seattle chapter of the Proud Boys, was arrested Wednesday morning, federal prosecutors said. He had been under investigation for more than a week after prosecutors named him in court papers as a chief organizer of a mob of about 100 other members of the group that marched through Washington on Jan. 6, ending at the Capitol building. Separately, Nicholas DeCarlo, a 30-year-old Texas man, and Nicholas Ochs, a founder of Hawaii’s chapter of the Proud Boys, were charged with conspiring with one another and unnamed co-conspirators to stop the certification of Biden’s Electoral College win as part of last month’s riot at the Capitol, according to the indictment. The case against DeCarlo and Ochs was announced by John Demers, head of the Justice Department’s national security division, the U.S. attorney in Washington and the FBI’s Washington field office. Their indictments highlighted the government’s effort to bring more serious charges against some of the scores of people who were initially charged with lesser crimes after the attack. The two men had earlier been charged with unlawful entry and obstructing an official proceeding. DeCarlo and Ochs were charged in an indictment with conspiring with others to create a plan to stop Congress, raising money online to fund travel to Washington to carry out their plan, crossing state lines to obstruct Congress and forcibly storming the Capitol building. Combined with the separate charges against Nordean, the indictment against Ochs and DeCarlo underscored the increasingly prominent role that the Proud Boys are accused of playing in the assault. Leaders of the Proud Boys have sought to distance themselves from the riots, even as federal investigators scrutinize them as they seek to determine the full scope of the group’s involvement. In the indictment against DeCarlo and Ochs, prosecutors said the men carved the words “MURDER THE MEDIA” into the Capitol’s Memorial Door. The case is part of a strike force created by Michael Sherwin, the U.S. attorney in Washington, to examine violent actions that targeted members of the news media, the Justice Department said. Sherwin said at a recent news conference that it was “the height of hypocrisy” to attack journalists while invoking the First Amendment to justify illegally entering the Capitol. DeCarlo was also seen in photos taken inside the Capitol during the riots wearing a shirt and hat that said “MT Media,” which investigators said stands for “Murder the Media.” Prosecutors say that Nordean, carrying a bullhorn, led a 100-person mob and entered the Capitol with another top-ranking Proud Boys leader, Joseph Biggs, who is also facing charges in connection with the attack. In a criminal complaint against Nordean, prosecutors said he and other Proud Boys “were planning in advance to organize a group that would attempt to overwhelm police barricades and enter” the Capitol. The 21-page complaint also said that, before marching on the building, Nordean had a brief exchange with another man charged in the assault, Robert Gieswein, of Woodland Park, Colorado, who has been accused of being a member of the far-right militia the Three Percenters. Nordean, 30, of Auburn, Washington, was near the front of a crowd of rioters that confronted an outnumbered detachment of Capitol Police officers Jan. 6, prosecutors said. Moving past the officers, prosecutors said, he and other members of the Proud Boys forced their way into the building. Before the attack on the Capitol, Nordean gave hints of an “intent to organize a group that intended to engage in conflict,” according to a news release issued Wednesday by the U.S. attorney’s office in Washington. In late December, for example, he posted a message asking for donations of “protective gear” and “communications equipment,” prosecutors said. About a week later, prosecutors added, Nordean posted a video online, discussing what he described as “blatant rampant voter fraud” and saying that the Proud Boys were going to “bring back that original spirit of 1776 of what really established the character of what America is.” After the assault, prosecutors say, Nordean continued writing inflammatory messages. On Jan. 8, they said, he posted a photo on social media showing a police officer spraying pepper spray. The caption read, “If you feel bad for the police, you are part of the problem.”

Justice Department unveils further charges in Capitol riot

When the supporters of the infamous US President Donald Trump took to the US Capitol, they damaged federal property and the idea of democracy. While the riots in itself were concerning, what raised bigger concerns was the theft of Nancy Pelosi's laptop.

Now, a young woman has been identified as taking part in the theft of the US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's official laptop.

The FBI believes this woman had hoped to sell the laptop to a Russian spy agency and make monetary gains.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/theft-of-nancy-pelosis-laptop-in-capitol-riots-raises-security-concern-355602">Theft of Nancy Pelosi's laptop in Capitol riots raises security concern</a>

A complaint was filed on Sunday in the US District Court in Washington that requested an immediate arrest of Riley June Williams on charges of "violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds."

The woman, who has been listed as a resident of Pennsylvania, has not been traced as of now and her whereabouts still remain unknown.

While it is not confirmed if Williams was the one who picked up the laptop illegally from the Capitol building, she was spotted lurking around Pelosi's office in several pictures and video evidence that the FBI has procured from the January 06 riots.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/majority-of-americans-want-immediate-removal-of-president-trump-poll-finds-355599">Majority of Americans want immediate removal of President Trump, poll finds</a>

Further, a witness — addressed as W1 — who was a former romantic partner of Riley Williams claims that Williams did in fact steal the laptop with the intention of selling it to a Russian spy agency. However, as per the official affidavit, the deal "fell through for unknown reasons, and Williams still has the computer device or destroyed it."

She was also spotted urging fellow rioters and Trump supporters to raid the other areas of the building and she can be heard saying "upstairs, upstairs, upstairs" in the video evidence.

Williams' mother has also confirmed her daughter's confirmation through the pictures and videos shown to her by the FBI. She also revealed that her daughter had "taken a sudden interest in President trump's politics" and she had travelled to Washington with her father, but later got separated.

WATCH|

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She, however, later returned home only to pack a travelling bag and told her mother that she will be leaving "for a couple of weeks".

As of now, the FBI's official records show Williams is on the run with an arrest warrant issued on her name.

When the supporters of the infamous US President Donald Trump took to the US Capitol, they damaged federal property and the idea of democracy. While the riots in itself were concerning, what raised bigger concerns was the theft of Nancy Pelosi's laptop.

When the supporters of the infamous US President Donald Trump took to the US Capitol, they damaged federal property and the idea of democracy. While the riots in itself were concerning, what raised bigger concerns was the theft of Nancy Pelosi's laptop. Now, a young woman has been identified as taking part in the theft of the US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's official laptop. The FBI believes this woman had hoped to sell the laptop to a Russian spy agency and make monetary gains. Also read| Theft of Nancy Pelosi's laptop in Capitol riots raises security concern A complaint was filed on Sunday in the US District Court in Washington that requested an immediate arrest of Riley June Williams on charges of "violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds." The woman, who has been listed as a resident of Pennsylvania, has not been traced as of now and her whereabouts still remain unknown. While it is not confirmed if Williams was the one who picked up the laptop illegally from the Capitol building, she was spotted lurking around Pelosi's office in several pictures and video evidence that the FBI has procured from the January 06 riots. Also read| Majority of Americans want immediate removal of President Trump, poll finds Further, a witness — addressed as W1 — who was a former romantic partner of Riley Williams claims that Williams did in fact steal the laptop with the intention of selling it to a Russian spy agency. However, as per the official affidavit, the deal "fell through for unknown reasons, and Williams still has the computer device or destroyed it." She was also spotted urging fellow rioters and Trump supporters to raid the other areas of the building and she can be heard saying "upstairs, upstairs, upstairs" in the video evidence. Williams' mother has also confirmed her daughter's confirmation through the pictures and videos shown to her by the FBI. She also revealed that her daughter had "taken a sudden interest in President trump's politics" and she had travelled to Washington with her father, but later got separated. WATCH| She, however, later returned home only to pack a travelling bag and told her mother that she will be leaving "for a couple of weeks". As of now, the FBI's official records show Williams is on the run with an arrest warrant issued on her name.

Woman hoped to sell Pelosi's stolen laptop to Russia: FBI

In the wake of FBI's warning of possible armed protests before Joe Biden's inauguration, the security around state capitols across the US has been tightened. Michigan state police set up metal fencing encircling the capitol. In Illinois, workers boarded up windows at the state capitol while in New York, roads leading to the state capitol were blocked by concrete barriers.

The enhanced security measures came after the FBI posted bulletins and called law enforcement agencies nationwide to call attention to potential protests.

Law enforcement agencies are keeping tab of extremist chatter online. The activity is being monitored for possible signs of attack just like that on US Capitol Building on January 6.

For months, far-right extremists have been openly posting their threats on public sites. Now, wary of surveillance and amid a crackdown by social media, some are shifting their online communications to private chats or lesser known platforms that could make those threats harder to find.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-leave-washington-on-morning-of-bidens-inauguration-357019">Trump to leave Washington on morning of Biden’s inauguration</a>

Several social media websites that are popular havens for far-right views have closed, crashed or cracked down on violent rhetoric over the past week. For example, Apple and Amazon suspended the social media site Parler from their respective App Store and web hosting service, saying it had not taken adequate measures to prevent the spread of posts inciting violence.

The FBI received nearly 100,000 "digital media tips" about potential unrest related to the election and Biden's inauguration, an official told reporters on Tuesday, and has pleaded for more information from the American public.

(With Reuters inputs)

In the wake of FBI's warning of possible armed protests before Joe Biden's inauguration, the security around state capitols across the US has been tightened. Michigan state police set up metal fencing encircling the capitol.

In the wake of FBI's warning of possible armed protests before Joe Biden's inauguration, the security around state capitols across the US has been tightened. Michigan state police set up metal fencing encircling the capitol. In Illinois, workers boarded up windows at the state capitol while in New York, roads leading to the state capitol were blocked by concrete barriers. The enhanced security measures came after the FBI posted bulletins and called law enforcement agencies nationwide to call attention to potential protests. Law enforcement agencies are keeping tab of extremist chatter online. The activity is being monitored for possible signs of attack just like that on US Capitol Building on January 6. For months, far-right extremists have been openly posting their threats on public sites. Now, wary of surveillance and amid a crackdown by social media, some are shifting their online communications to private chats or lesser known platforms that could make those threats harder to find. Also Read | Trump to leave Washington on morning of Biden’s inauguration Several social media websites that are popular havens for far-right views have closed, crashed or cracked down on violent rhetoric over the past week. For example, Apple and Amazon suspended the social media site Parler from their respective App Store and web hosting service, saying it had not taken adequate measures to prevent the spread of posts inciting violence. The FBI received nearly 100,000 "digital media tips" about potential unrest related to the election and Biden's inauguration, an official told reporters on Tuesday, and has pleaded for more information from the American public. (With Reuters inputs)

State capitols across US tighten security to repel possible attacks

Federal and local authorities across the country pressed their hunt over the weekend for the members of the angry mob that stormed the Capitol building last Wednesday, as Washington’s mayor issued an urgent appeal to start preparing immediately for more potential violence before, during and after the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

Following one of the most stunning security lapses in the city’s history, Mayor Muriel E. Bowser sent a firmly worded letter Saturday to the Department of Homeland Security, asking officials to move up to Monday the implementation of heightened security measures that are otherwise set to begin Jan. 19, just one day before Biden’s swearing-in.

Bowser’s call to action, which came as law enforcement officers in several states made arrests related to the assault on the Capitol, was echoed Sunday by Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., who is charged with overseeing the planning of the inaugural celebration.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/outgoing-us-capitol-police-chief-says-his-effort-to-get-help-was-thwarted-355952">Outgoing US Capitol Police chief says his effort to get help was thwarted</a>

The Capitol complex, typically a hive of activity, remained cut off from its surroundings Sunday night by troop deployments and an imposing scrim of 7-foot-tall, unscalable fencing. Still in shock from the worst breach of the building in more than two centuries, lawmakers were expected to turn their attention this week to a second slate of impeachment charges against President Donald Trump, who has said little about the rampage he helped incite — in part because social media companies, like Twitter and Facebook, have either banned him or severely limited his use of their platforms.

Security experts warned over the weekend that some far-right extremist groups have now started to focus attention on Inauguration Day and are already discussing an assault similar to the one on the Capitol, which led to the sacking of congressional offices and the deaths of at least five people, including a Capitol Police officer.

As of Sunday, nearly 400 people had joined a private group online dedicated to what is being billed as the “Million Militia March,” an event scheduled to take place in Washington on Jan. 20. On Parler, a social media site popular on the far right that is in danger of being taken offline because of rampant talk of violence, commenters were debating what tools they should bring to the march, mentioning everything from baseball bats to body armor to assault rifles.

“We took the building once,” one person posted. “We can take it again.”

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/melania-condemns-us-capitol-violence-says-its-time-for-healing-in-a-civil-manner-356036">Melania condemns US Capitol violence, says it's time for 'healing in a civil manner'</a>

While most of the chatter online appears to be directed toward Inauguration Day, some on the right have argued that pro-Trump activists should instead gather once again on Capitol Hill and hold other rallies in cities outside Washington on Jan. 17. Over the weekend, flyers began to circulate on Parler and in private groups on the chatting services WhatsApp and Signal, calling for an “Armed march on Capitol Hill and all state capitols” at noon that day.

“I’d like to come to this, but want to know, does our president want us there?” asked one person on the social media site Gab. “Awaiting instructions.”

In a statement, the U.S. Secret Service, which is responsible for security at the inauguration, said the inauguration was “a foundational element of our democracy” and “the safety and security of all those participating” was “of the utmost importance.”

In a separate statement, Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., a former Army Ranger, said he had spoken with military officials who were aware of “possible threats posed by would-be terrorists” in the coming days and were working with local and federal law enforcements officers to prevent them.

Even as the throng of hundreds — if not thousands — breached gates, smashed windows and stormed into the Capitol last week, there were also tense standoffs at statehouses in Kansas, Colorado, Oregon and Georgia. On Saturday, that trend seemed to continue as Sen. Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa, said he was told of a “disturbing report of a death threat” received Friday by the Iowa Democratic Party.

“Threats like this &amp; violence are UNACCEPTABLE,” Grassley wrote on Twitter.

On Monday, the Michigan Capitol Commission is scheduled to meet to consider banning guns from the building. In April, in a kind of dress rehearsal for the chaos in Washington, a group of gun-toting protesters decrying coronavirus lockdowns rushed the state Capitol in Lansing, not long after Trump tweeted, “Liberate Michigan.”

Armed with federal warrants, law enforcement officers spent much of the weekend cracking down on people who had stormed the National Capitol, making a series of arrests in states from Iowa to Florida, and filing new charges against some of the more than 80 people who were taken into custody last week by local officers in Washington. Among those charged have been a man seen hauling off House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s lectern; the leader of the Hawaii chapter of the far-right nationalist group the Proud Boys; and a proponent of the QAnon conspiracy theory known for showing up at pro-Trump rallies in a headdress with horns and a spear.

On Saturday, federal prosecutors filed a new complaint against Cleveland Grover Meredith Jr., a Georgia man who was accused of threatening Pelosi by saying in a text message that he was going to put “a bullet in her noggin on Live TV.” Federal agents said that Meredith had been staying at a Holiday Inn in Washington and had weapons in his camper-style trailer that included a Glock handgun, a Tavor X95 assault rifle and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.

On Sunday, prosecutors brought charges of violent entry and disorderly conduct against a figure who had first been identified online by civilian sleuths: Eric G. Munchel of Nashville, Tennessee. In a photograph that circulated widely after the attack, Munchel, 30, was pictured wearing tactical military gear and carrying a handful of plastic restraints known as zip ties.

Prosecutors in Washington also filed a complaint Sunday on similar charges against Larry R. Brock, a retired Air Force officer from Texas, saying he too had been carrying plastic restraints.

The FBI has said that it has received more than 40,000 tips online about the Capitol mob, including photographs and video clips. In an interview with NPR on Sunday, Michael R. Sherwin, the U.S. attorney in Washington, said that the Justice Department was considering charges for “theft of national security information” after some in the mob looted laptops, documents and other items from congressional offices.

Some of those who had been at the Capitol discovered that they had been put on government no-fly lists as they tried Sunday to make their way home from Washington.

As charges continued to be filed, more participants in the attack were identified around the country, among them business executives and local school board officials. Several police departments — and the New York Fire Department — have said they are investigating members who may have taken part in the assault.

Federal and local authorities across the country pressed their hunt over the weekend for the members of the angry mob that stormed the Capitol building last Wednesday, as Washington’s mayor issued an urgent appeal to start preparing immediately for more potential violence before, during and after the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

Federal and local authorities across the country pressed their hunt over the weekend for the members of the angry mob that stormed the Capitol building last Wednesday, as Washington’s mayor issued an urgent appeal to start preparing immediately for more potential violence before, during and after the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. Following one of the most stunning security lapses in the city’s history, Mayor Muriel E. Bowser sent a firmly worded letter Saturday to the Department of Homeland Security, asking officials to move up to Monday the implementation of heightened security measures that are otherwise set to begin Jan. 19, just one day before Biden’s swearing-in. Bowser’s call to action, which came as law enforcement officers in several states made arrests related to the assault on the Capitol, was echoed Sunday by Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., who is charged with overseeing the planning of the inaugural celebration. Also read| Outgoing US Capitol Police chief says his effort to get help was thwarted The Capitol complex, typically a hive of activity, remained cut off from its surroundings Sunday night by troop deployments and an imposing scrim of 7-foot-tall, unscalable fencing. Still in shock from the worst breach of the building in more than two centuries, lawmakers were expected to turn their attention this week to a second slate of impeachment charges against President Donald Trump, who has said little about the rampage he helped incite — in part because social media companies, like Twitter and Facebook, have either banned him or severely limited his use of their platforms. Security experts warned over the weekend that some far-right extremist groups have now started to focus attention on Inauguration Day and are already discussing an assault similar to the one on the Capitol, which led to the sacking of congressional offices and the deaths of at least five people, including a Capitol Police officer. As of Sunday, nearly 400 people had joined a private group online dedicated to what is being billed as the “Million Militia March,” an event scheduled to take place in Washington on Jan. 20. On Parler, a social media site popular on the far right that is in danger of being taken offline because of rampant talk of violence, commenters were debating what tools they should bring to the march, mentioning everything from baseball bats to body armor to assault rifles. “We took the building once,” one person posted. “We can take it again.” Also read| Melania condemns US Capitol violence, says it's time for 'healing in a civil manner' While most of the chatter online appears to be directed toward Inauguration Day, some on the right have argued that pro-Trump activists should instead gather once again on Capitol Hill and hold other rallies in cities outside Washington on Jan. 17. Over the weekend, flyers began to circulate on Parler and in private groups on the chatting services WhatsApp and Signal, calling for an “Armed march on Capitol Hill and all state capitols” at noon that day. “I’d like to come to this, but want to know, does our president want us there?” asked one person on the social media site Gab. “Awaiting instructions.” In a statement, the U.S. Secret Service, which is responsible for security at the inauguration, said the inauguration was “a foundational element of our democracy” and “the safety and security of all those participating” was “of the utmost importance.” In a separate statement, Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., a former Army Ranger, said he had spoken with military officials who were aware of “possible threats posed by would-be terrorists” in the coming days and were working with local and federal law enforcements officers to prevent them. Even as the throng of hundreds — if not thousands — breached gates, smashed windows and stormed into the Capitol last week, there were also tense standoffs at statehouses in Kansas, Colorado, Oregon and Georgia. On Saturday, that trend seemed to continue as Sen. Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa, said he was told of a “disturbing report of a death threat” received Friday by the Iowa Democratic Party. “Threats like this & violence are UNACCEPTABLE,” Grassley wrote on Twitter. On Monday, the Michigan Capitol Commission is scheduled to meet to consider banning guns from the building. In April, in a kind of dress rehearsal for the chaos in Washington, a group of gun-toting protesters decrying coronavirus lockdowns rushed the state Capitol in Lansing, not long after Trump tweeted, “Liberate Michigan.” Armed with federal warrants, law enforcement officers spent much of the weekend cracking down on people who had stormed the National Capitol, making a series of arrests in states from Iowa to Florida, and filing new charges against some of the more than 80 people who were taken into custody last week by local officers in Washington. Among those charged have been a man seen hauling off House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s lectern; the leader of the Hawaii chapter of the far-right nationalist group the Proud Boys; and a proponent of the QAnon conspiracy theory known for showing up at pro-Trump rallies in a headdress with horns and a spear. On Saturday, federal prosecutors filed a new complaint against Cleveland Grover Meredith Jr., a Georgia man who was accused of threatening Pelosi by saying in a text message that he was going to put “a bullet in her noggin on Live TV.” Federal agents said that Meredith had been staying at a Holiday Inn in Washington and had weapons in his camper-style trailer that included a Glock handgun, a Tavor X95 assault rifle and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. On Sunday, prosecutors brought charges of violent entry and disorderly conduct against a figure who had first been identified online by civilian sleuths: Eric G. Munchel of Nashville, Tennessee. In a photograph that circulated widely after the attack, Munchel, 30, was pictured wearing tactical military gear and carrying a handful of plastic restraints known as zip ties. Prosecutors in Washington also filed a complaint Sunday on similar charges against Larry R. Brock, a retired Air Force officer from Texas, saying he too had been carrying plastic restraints. The FBI has said that it has received more than 40,000 tips online about the Capitol mob, including photographs and video clips. In an interview with NPR on Sunday, Michael R. Sherwin, the U.S. attorney in Washington, said that the Justice Department was considering charges for “theft of national security information” after some in the mob looted laptops, documents and other items from congressional offices. Some of those who had been at the Capitol discovered that they had been put on government no-fly lists as they tried Sunday to make their way home from Washington. As charges continued to be filed, more participants in the attack were identified around the country, among them business executives and local school board officials. Several police departments — and the New York Fire Department — have said they are investigating members who may have taken part in the assault.

Police reassess security for inauguration and demonstrations after Capitol attack

When the supporters of the to-be-impeached US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> marched into the Capitol Building with the aim to destroy government property and the concept&nbsp;of democracy, many of them had also entered with the mindset of executing Vice President Mike Pence.

The outgoing VP was present in the Capitol building on Wednesday when the rioters took control of the building. He was present there to confirm the win of the President-elect <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> against the Republican candidate and former reality TV star Donald Trump.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-may-turn-to-rudy-giuliani-again-to-defend-him-in-case-he-is-impeached-355870">Trump may turn to Rudy Giuliani again to defend him in case he is impeached</a>

When the rioters started pouring in — with alleged help of the Capitol security — the VP was rushed to safety as chants of 'Hang Mike Pence' echoed in the halls of one of the safest buildings in the US.

As soon as the Capitol was secured, Mike Pence completed his task of officially certifying the victory of Joe Biden. Since the announcement, the Pro-Trump rioters — who were already turning against the VP — started demanding execution of Pence.

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Video of the mob chanting “hang Mike Pence.” <a href="https://t.co/K4EcKK2rab">pic.twitter.com/K4EcKK2rab</a>
— American Times Film (@ExportedFromMI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ExportedFromMI/status/1347763885646827522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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When the rioters could not find and fulfil their ill-formed dreams in the real life, they took to Twitter to express their wish to hang Mike Pence, and soon the phrase started trending on Twitter.

However, Twitter was quick to respond to the virtual death threats to the VP and the social media giant took conscious steps to block any such phrase from trending on their platform.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/republicans-confront-donald-trumps-effect-on-party-355890">WATCH|</a>

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"We blocked the phrase and other variations of it from trending," a Twitter spokesperson said. "We want trends to promote healthy discussions on Twitter. This means that at times, we may prevent certain content from trending. As per our Help Center, there are rules for trends — if we identify accounts that violate these rules, we’ll take enforcement action."

Since then, the local media has also reported that there has been no communication between the President and the Vice President since Pence certified Biden's win in the recently-concluded <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US election.</a>

Trump critics have also accused him of being a part of — and motivating — the series of death threats against Pence by inciting violence among the rioters and openly criticising Pence for carrying out his duty.

When the supporters of the to-be-impeached US President Donald Trump marched into the Capitol Building with the aim to destroy government property and the concept of democracy, many of them had also entered with the mindset of executing Vice President Mike Pence.

When the supporters of the to-be-impeached US President Donald Trump marched into the Capitol Building with the aim to destroy government property and the concept of democracy, many of them had also entered with the mindset of executing Vice President Mike Pence. The outgoing VP was present in the Capitol building on Wednesday when the rioters took control of the building. He was present there to confirm the win of the President-elect Joe Biden against the Republican candidate and former reality TV star Donald Trump. Also read| Trump may turn to Rudy Giuliani again to defend him in case he is impeached When the rioters started pouring in — with alleged help of the Capitol security — the VP was rushed to safety as chants of 'Hang Mike Pence' echoed in the halls of one of the safest buildings in the US. As soon as the Capitol was secured, Mike Pence completed his task of officially certifying the victory of Joe Biden. Since the announcement, the Pro-Trump rioters — who were already turning against the VP — started demanding execution of Pence. Video of the mob chanting “hang Mike Pence.” pic.twitter.com/K4EcKK2rab — American Times Film (@ExportedFromMI) January 9, 2021 × When the rioters could not find and fulfil their ill-formed dreams in the real life, they took to Twitter to express their wish to hang Mike Pence, and soon the phrase started trending on Twitter. However, Twitter was quick to respond to the virtual death threats to the VP and the social media giant took conscious steps to block any such phrase from trending on their platform. WATCH| × "We blocked the phrase and other variations of it from trending," a Twitter spokesperson said. "We want trends to promote healthy discussions on Twitter. This means that at times, we may prevent certain content from trending. As per our Help Center, there are rules for trends — if we identify accounts that violate these rules, we’ll take enforcement action." Since then, the local media has also reported that there has been no communication between the President and the Vice President since Pence certified Biden's win in the recently-concluded US election. Trump critics have also accused him of being a part of — and motivating — the series of death threats against Pence by inciting violence among the rioters and openly criticising Pence for carrying out his duty.

Twitter blocks phrase 'Hang Mike Pence' as Trump supporters turn against him

The office of the Architect of the Capitol in Washington, the office that preserves and maintains the building’s art and architecture, released Friday the first inventory of the damage sustained during Wednesday’s riot.

Damage to the interior of the building was largely limited to broken glass, broken doors and graffiti, the report said, although it noted that statues, murals and historic benches displayed the residue of various pepper sprays, tear gas and fire extinguishers deployed by both rioters and law enforcement personnel. They will need to be carefully cleaned and conserved, the report said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-focus-us-president-has-sole-power-to-launch-nuclear-strike-355538" hreflang="en">In focus: US president has sole power to launch nuclear strike</a>

Outside the building, two bronze light fixtures that were designed in the late 19th century by Frederick Law Olmsted, the American landscape architect, and that illuminate the grounds at night, were broken. The report also noted graffiti on the west side of the building near stands that are being constructed for the inauguration of Joe Biden this month.

No major artworks were reported damaged, despite the violent demonstrations inside the building by Trump supporters that took the Capitol Police nearly four hours to quell. A mob broke into rooms on the south side of the Capitol (including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office), smashed windows and then marched through the National Statuary Hall, waving American, Confederate and “Trump Is My President” flags.

Vandals in red “Make America Great Again” hats, many of whom photographed and recorded themselves, wreaked havoc in congressional offices and the Rotunda. One man crammed a framed photo of the Dalai Lama into his backpack, while another smoked marijuana in a room with maps of Oregon on the wall. A 19th-century marble bust of former President Zachary Taylor was defaced with a red substance that looked like blood.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bravery-or-self-preservation-resignations-of-trump-officials-draw-skepticism-355651">&nbsp;Bravery or self-preservation? Resignations of Trump officials draw skepticism</a>

But the large-scale, 18-foot paintings by John Trumbull and other artists that depict scenes from the republic’s founding in the Rotunda, and the dozens of statues that fill the National Statuary Hall to the south that filled the background of many of the rioters’ photos, all appear to have escaped damage.

The office noted on Thursday that many of its employees had worked through the night to clean up the trash, glass and other debris that littered the building and begin repair work.

“Wednesday was a difficult day for our campus,” the architect of the Capitol, J. Brett Blanton, said in a statement. “As the Architect of the Capitol mission calls us to serve, preserve and inspire, it was particularly hard to watch the scene unfold.”

The office of the Architect of the Capitol in Washington, the office that preserves and maintains the building’s art and architecture, released Friday the first inventory of the damage sustained during Wednesday’s riot.

The office of the Architect of the Capitol in Washington, the office that preserves and maintains the building’s art and architecture, released Friday the first inventory of the damage sustained during Wednesday’s riot. Damage to the interior of the building was largely limited to broken glass, broken doors and graffiti, the report said, although it noted that statues, murals and historic benches displayed the residue of various pepper sprays, tear gas and fire extinguishers deployed by both rioters and law enforcement personnel. They will need to be carefully cleaned and conserved, the report said. Also read| In focus: US president has sole power to launch nuclear strike Outside the building, two bronze light fixtures that were designed in the late 19th century by Frederick Law Olmsted, the American landscape architect, and that illuminate the grounds at night, were broken. The report also noted graffiti on the west side of the building near stands that are being constructed for the inauguration of Joe Biden this month. No major artworks were reported damaged, despite the violent demonstrations inside the building by Trump supporters that took the Capitol Police nearly four hours to quell. A mob broke into rooms on the south side of the Capitol (including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office), smashed windows and then marched through the National Statuary Hall, waving American, Confederate and “Trump Is My President” flags. Vandals in red “Make America Great Again” hats, many of whom photographed and recorded themselves, wreaked havoc in congressional offices and the Rotunda. One man crammed a framed photo of the Dalai Lama into his backpack, while another smoked marijuana in a room with maps of Oregon on the wall. A 19th-century marble bust of former President Zachary Taylor was defaced with a red substance that looked like blood. Also read| Bravery or self-preservation? Resignations of Trump officials draw skepticism But the large-scale, 18-foot paintings by John Trumbull and other artists that depict scenes from the republic’s founding in the Rotunda, and the dozens of statues that fill the National Statuary Hall to the south that filled the background of many of the rioters’ photos, all appear to have escaped damage. The office noted on Thursday that many of its employees had worked through the night to clean up the trash, glass and other debris that littered the building and begin repair work. “Wednesday was a difficult day for our campus,” the architect of the Capitol, J. Brett Blanton, said in a statement. “As the Architect of the Capitol mission calls us to serve, preserve and inspire, it was particularly hard to watch the scene unfold.”

First inventory of damage to US Capitol building released

The top federal prosecutor for the District of Columbia has said that "all options are on the table" for charging members of the violent pro-Trump mob that stormed the US Capitol, including sedition charges.

Michael Sherwin, acting US attorney for DC, said prosecutors plan to file 15 federal cases on Thursday for crimes including unauthorised access and theft of property, and investigators are combing through reams of evidence to bring additional charges.

"All of those charges are on the table. We will bring the most maximum charges we can," he said.

More than 90 people have been arrested by police in Washington and more arrests are likely.

US attorneys from across the country have vowed to find and bring to justice any residents who participated in the insurrection aimed at thwarting the peaceful transfer of power.

Experts say some could face the rarely used seditious conspiracy charge.

It's the the same charge former Attorney General William Barr's Justice Department told prosecutors to consider levying against those who caused violence at protests last summer over the killings of black Americans by police.

Then-Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen, who stepped into the top Justice Department job when Barr resigned last month, told prosecutors in a memo in September that they should consider the use of seditious conspiracy charges against violent demonstrators, saying "it does not require proof of a plot to overthrow the US government despite what the name might suggest."

Asserting that those responsible for the violence at the US Capitol will "face the full consequences of their actions", Acting Attorney General Jeffery Rosen said some participants in the violence will face charges on Thursday.

"The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that those responsible for this attack on our Government and the rule of law face the full consequences of their actions under the law," Rosen said.

"Some participants in yesterday's violence will be charged today," Rosen said.

Department's criminal prosecutors have been working throughout the night with special agents and investigators from the US Capitol Police, FBI, ATF, Metropolitan Police Department and the public to gather the evidence, identify perpetrators, and charge federal crimes where warranted, said the Acting Attorney General.

FBI Director Christopher Wray said the violence and destruction of property at the US Capitol building showed a blatant and appalling disregard for our institutions of government and the orderly administration of the democratic process.

"Let me assure the American people the FBI has deployed our full investigative resources and is working closely with our federal, state, and local partners to aggressively pursue those involved in criminal activity during the events of January 6.

"Our agents and analysts have been hard at work through the night gathering evidence, sharing intelligence, and working with federal prosecutors to bring charge," Wray said.

"What transpired on Wednesday was "tragic and sickening," said Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf.

"While I have consistently condemned political violence on both sides of the aisle, specifically violence directed at law enforcement, we now see some supporters of the President using violence as a means to achieve political ends. This is unacceptable," he said.

"These violent actions are unconscionable, and I implore the President and all elected officials to strongly condemn the violence that took place yesterday," Chad said.

US Ambassador to NATO, Kay Bailey Hutchison, in an open letter to NATO allies said that there can be no justification for the appalling invasion of our US Capitol building.

"There can be no minimisation or hiding of the disgraceful acts we watched unfold," she said.

The top federal prosecutor for the District of Columbia has said that "all options are on the table" for charging members of the violent pro-Trump mob that stormed the US Capitol, including sedition charges.

The top federal prosecutor for the District of Columbia has said that "all options are on the table" for charging members of the violent pro-Trump mob that stormed the US Capitol, including sedition charges. Michael Sherwin, acting US attorney for DC, said prosecutors plan to file 15 federal cases on Thursday for crimes including unauthorised access and theft of property, and investigators are combing through reams of evidence to bring additional charges. "All of those charges are on the table. We will bring the most maximum charges we can," he said. More than 90 people have been arrested by police in Washington and more arrests are likely. US attorneys from across the country have vowed to find and bring to justice any residents who participated in the insurrection aimed at thwarting the peaceful transfer of power. Experts say some could face the rarely used seditious conspiracy charge. It's the the same charge former Attorney General William Barr's Justice Department told prosecutors to consider levying against those who caused violence at protests last summer over the killings of black Americans by police. Then-Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen, who stepped into the top Justice Department job when Barr resigned last month, told prosecutors in a memo in September that they should consider the use of seditious conspiracy charges against violent demonstrators, saying "it does not require proof of a plot to overthrow the US government despite what the name might suggest." Asserting that those responsible for the violence at the US Capitol will "face the full consequences of their actions", Acting Attorney General Jeffery Rosen said some participants in the violence will face charges on Thursday. "The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that those responsible for this attack on our Government and the rule of law face the full consequences of their actions under the law," Rosen said. "Some participants in yesterday's violence will be charged today," Rosen said. Department's criminal prosecutors have been working throughout the night with special agents and investigators from the US Capitol Police, FBI, ATF, Metropolitan Police Department and the public to gather the evidence, identify perpetrators, and charge federal crimes where warranted, said the Acting Attorney General. FBI Director Christopher Wray said the violence and destruction of property at the US Capitol building showed a blatant and appalling disregard for our institutions of government and the orderly administration of the democratic process. "Let me assure the American people the FBI has deployed our full investigative resources and is working closely with our federal, state, and local partners to aggressively pursue those involved in criminal activity during the events of January 6. "Our agents and analysts have been hard at work through the night gathering evidence, sharing intelligence, and working with federal prosecutors to bring charge," Wray said. "What transpired on Wednesday was "tragic and sickening," said Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf. "While I have consistently condemned political violence on both sides of the aisle, specifically violence directed at law enforcement, we now see some supporters of the President using violence as a means to achieve political ends. This is unacceptable," he said. "These violent actions are unconscionable, and I implore the President and all elected officials to strongly condemn the violence that took place yesterday," Chad said. US Ambassador to NATO, Kay Bailey Hutchison, in an open letter to NATO allies said that there can be no justification for the appalling invasion of our US Capitol building. "There can be no minimisation or hiding of the disgraceful acts we watched unfold," she said.

Capitol violence: US administration mulls sedition charge possible for pro-Trump rioters

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