- According to Insider’s database, more than 900 people were arrested and charged in connection to the Capitol riot.
- A rising number of them were later charged with separate crimes. CBS News reported.
- They could face additional charges that could hinder their ability to obtain lenient sentences for their Capitol riot cases.
A growing number of Capitol rioters facing federal prosecution have been charged for other unrelated crimes — from domestic violence to gun and drug charges — according to a review of DOJ records published by CBS News.
Federal authorities have said that one Navy reservist, who was in “panic mode” during the Capitol riot, made $50,000 worth of firearms-related purchase. The Washington Post reported. According to CBS News, Hatchet Speed was indicted June by a Virginia grand jury on three counts for unlawful possession of silencer.
Another Capitol rioter, Kene Lazo was taken into federal custody in May 2021 by federal authorities for his involvement in the insurrection. However, he was again arrested in Virginia three months later on domestic violence charges, CBS News reported.
CBS News reported that Lazo’s domestic violence case was used by the prosecution to sentence him. According to CBS News, another case involved police finding guns and controlled substances during a search of Elias Costianes Maryland home. This led to additional charges.
Insider reported this so far 910 were charged in connectionThe January 6th insurrection.
CBS News interviewed Michael Greenberger, University of Maryland law professor. He stated that the politicization of Jan 6 defendants’ trials could increase the likelihood of them ending up in prison.
These additional charges may make it more difficult for defendants to receive lenient sentences on their Capitol riot charges. This could also mean that other defendants might have difficulty securing pretrial releases.
Greenberger told CBS News that Trump’s rhetoric “leaves these bad actors with little doubt that they will ultimately be forgiven—if not lionized.”
He said, “Reality however, however, it is likely to.” These guys will be remembered when they are sentenced or resentenced to many more years in prison.
Trump’s former president and his allies have been praising the rioters. Trump previously stated that he was proud of the rioters. “financially supporting”The rioters and would Consider pardons “very seriously”If he is re-elected in 2024, it will be for the people who were arrested in connection to the riot.
Trump stated earlier this month that “it’s a disgrace they’ve done it to them.”
