The FBI is investigating who was involved in any violent activity that escalated at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.
The bureau posted a page on its website where people can submit tips, as well as digital images and videos, about the instigators behind the violence and rioting in the U.S. Capitol Building and surrounding area in Washington, D.C.
“Our goal is to preserve the public’s constitutional right to protest by protecting everyone from violence and other criminal activity,” the FBI said in a press release.
The FBI is seeking to identify individuals instigating violence in Washington, D.C. We are accepting tips and digital media depicting rioting or violence in and around the U.S. Capitol on January 6. If you have information, visit https://t.co/buMd8vYXzH.
— FBI (@FBI) January 7, 2021
The D.C. Metropolitan Police also released dozens of photos from inside the Capitol Building showing various rioters. They published a 26-page document containing the photos and are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspects.
The department added that tipsters can receive a reward of up to $1,000 for any information leading to the arrest and indictment of any of the individuals pictured. Police said people can submit tips by calling the police department or by using its text message tip line.
Some of the pictures showed rioters on the floor of the chamber, a man dangling from a wall inside the building, and people taking photos and shouting as they stormed the complex. One person appears to be holding a piece of a sign that bears House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s name.
Violence erupted at the Capitol in the aftermath of a large rally dubbed “Save America” that gathered to protest the certification of election results in favor of President-elect Joe Biden.
During his speech to the gathering, President Trump encouraged his supporters to march to the Capitol and cheer on lawmakers to reject his election loss. Later in the day, when the violence escalated, the president walked back his stance, telling people to peacefully go home. Biden also condemned the activity.
Though some surrounded peacefully around the Capitol, others stormed the building, clashing with police and pushing past barricades. Once demonstrators were inside, Vice President Mike Pence, lawmakers, and press were escorted to an alternative, safe location.
One woman was shot and killed by law enforcement while inside the building, and D.C. Metropolitan Police later said three others died as a result of the chaos. Dozens were arrested.
Away from the Capitol, local and federal law enforcement are investigating pipe bombs that were found near the RNC and DNC headquarters, according to a local law enforcement official.
On Thursday, Fox News reported federal officials had confirmed the devices found near the headquarters were actual explosive devices. D.C. police told the Washington Examiner they are currently investigating both devices and are coordinating with Capitol Police to secure those locations.
Congress later reconvened and worked late into the night and early morning, certifying Biden’s victory just before 4 a.m.
Following the decision, Trump said he would commit to an orderly transition of power on Inauguration Day.
“Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th,” Trump said.
