By: Stacy M. Brown, NNPA

On Monday, January 6, 2025, the Department of Justice released a detailed update on its ongoing investigation into the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The attack disrupted a joint session of Congress certifying the 2020 presidential election results and caused extensive injuries and damages. The DOJ report comes as Georgia GOP Rep. Mike Collins, and other MAGA Republicans faces criticism for false claims about the events of that day.

In a post on X, Collins described the insurrection as a peaceful gathering, alleging that “thousands of peaceful grandmothers” had toured the Capitol. He claimed individuals “peacefully explored the building before leaving” and that “hundreds of peaceful protestors” had been unfairly prosecuted.

Collins’ description of the attack conflicts with DOJ findings. The department reported that more than 140 police officers were assaulted during the riot, including over 80 from the U.S. Capitol Police and over 60 from the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. Property damage exceeded $2.8 million, and stolen government property added to the losses.

DOJ Investigation Milestones

As of January 3, 2025, the DOJ has charged approximately 1,583 individuals in connection with the Capitol attack:

  • 608 defendants face charges for assaulting, resisting, or impeding law enforcement, including 174 accused of using dangerous weapons.
  • 18 individuals have been charged with seditious conspiracy.
  • 91 have been charged with destruction of government property, and 68 with theft of government property.
  • All defendants face charges related to trespassing or disorderly conduct.

In addition, over 1,000 defendants have pleaded guilty, including 327 to felony charges, and 667 have been sentenced to incarceration. The DOJ said it continues to pursue suspects, including those captured on video assaulting law enforcement officers, and is asking for public assistance in identifying fugitives.

Law Enforcement Responds to False Narratives

Former U.S. Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, who was injured in the attack, rejected Collins’ claims and criticized efforts to minimize the events of January 6. Gonell, who has testified about his experiences, said Trump’s promises to pardon rioters dishonor the sacrifices made by officers.

“Releasing those who assaulted us from blame would be a desecration of justice,” Gonell said in a statement. “Trump and the rioters broke laws and committed crimes. They should not be rewarded.” Gonell added that such actions could endanger officers like himself who continue to testify in court.

Former Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn echoed those concerns. Referring to Trump’s recent election win, Dunn described it as a “gut punch.” He added, “The voters sent a message that what happened on January 6 wasn’t a big enough deal to disqualify him.”

Leaders Reflect on January 6

President Joe Biden called for accountability and defended the need for a peaceful transfer of power. “We’ve got to get back to basic, normal transfer of power,” he said.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also weighed in, questioning the rationale behind pardoning individuals involved in the attack. “It’s really a strange person who’s going to be president of the United States who thinks that it’s OK to pardon people who are engaged in an attack,” she said.

Gonell, in his remarks, urged Americans not to forget the sacrifices made by law enforcement that day. “These dishonorable elected officials are alive because of what officers like myself did, not because of the mob’s lack of trying,” he said. “Remember the names of the officers who died and the families they left behind.”