Shares

This week marks 45 months since the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, when rioters assaulted more than 140 police officers and delayed the certification of the 2020 election. The insurrection caused over $2.8 million in damages, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. In the nearly four years since, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has conducted one of the largest investigations in U.S. history, charging 1,532 individuals involved in the attack.

DOJ Issues a Wide Range of Charges After the January 6 Riot

The DOJ’s charges cover a broad spectrum, with 571 counts for assaulting, resisting, or impeding law enforcement. Among these cases, 164 defendants allegedly used dangerous weapons, including firearms and chemical sprays. Additionally, 171 people carried weapons into restricted areas, and 87 damaged government property.

Prosecutors have accused 18 individuals of seditious conspiracy, citing efforts to overthrow the government by force. Meanwhile, 66 others face theft-related charges. Nearly all defendants are charged with trespassing or disorderly conduct, reflecting the DOJ’s commitment to full accountability.

Related: Vance and Walz begin cordially but end in heated clashes over Trump, Jan. 6, and national policy issues

Guilty Pleas and Sentences Accumulate as the Investigation Progresses

The investigation has led to 943 guilty pleas, including 304 felonies. Of those, 161 admitted to assaulting law enforcement, while 122 obstructed law enforcement during civil disorder. The DOJ also secured admissions of assault with a deadly weapon from 67 individuals. Nearly 1,000 cases have reached sentencing, with over 600 prison sentences and 141 home detention arrangements.

Fischer v. United States Ruling Affects DOJ’s Efforts

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Fischer v. United States impacted 259 cases, questioning the use of the felony charge for obstructing an official proceeding. As a result, the DOJ dropped this charge in 73 cases and continues to review others. Nevertheless, these defendants still face other charges related to their roles in the Capitol attack.

Julian Khater received an 80-month prison sentence for using pepper spray on U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who died the next day. During sentencing, Khater expressed regret, saying his actions did not reflect his true character.

Special Counsel Jack Smith’s Allegations Against Donald Trump

Earlier this month, Special Counsel Jack Smith accused former President Donald Trump of taking “desperate” actions to retain power after his 2020 election loss. Prosecutors allege that Trump’s public statements incited his supporters to violence on January 6, even as he privately dismissed claims of voter fraud. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan addressed the defense’s claims of partisan bias, stating that the accusations lacked evidence and focused more on rhetoric than legal arguments.

DOJ Continues Pursuit of January 6 Fugitives

The DOJ remains dedicated to prosecuting those involved in the insurrection. The FBI released videos of suspects who assaulted law enforcement and seeks public help to identify individuals at large. Authorities continue to pursue fugitives such as Evan Neumann, Adam Villarreal, and Paul Belosic, urging anyone with information to contact the FBI.