By Steve Neavling
Attorney General Merrick Garland on Wednesday said the investigation into the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol is far from over and pledged to hold everyone responsible.
“The Justice Department remains committed to holding all January 6th perpetrators, at any level, accountable under law, whether they were present that day or were otherwise criminally responsible for the assault on our democracy,” Garland said on the eve of the one-year anniversary of the riot. “We will follow the facts wherever they lead.”
So far, the investigation has led to more than 725 arrests and roughly 165 guilty pleas, and about 70 rioters have been sentenced.
Garland said about 140 federal prosecutors have worked on the case.
At least 140 officers were injured during the siege.
“Those involved must be held accountable,” Garland said. “And there is no higher priority for us at the Department of Justice.”
The Democratic-led House select committee also is investigating the riot.
In a speech Thursday, President Biden is expected to speak on the “singular responsibility” of former President Trump, who riled up supporters before the riot and spread lies about the election, CNN reports.
Also on Thursday, members of Congress are expected to take a moment of silence and take testimonials from those who were at the Capitol during the attack.
