U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Matthew Graves, discussed the unfolding of the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021, during a presentation in Washington on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Three Years After the Capitol Riot
Far-right extremists, former police officers, an Olympic gold medalist swimmer, and active-duty U.S. Marines are among the hundreds convicted in the massive prosecution of the January 6, 2021, riot. The Washington federal courthouse continues to witness trials, guilty plea hearings, and sentencings, making it the largest criminal investigation in American history. The pursuit of suspects is ongoing.
Urging for Non-Violence
“We cannot replace votes and deliberation with violence and intimidation,” emphasized Matthew Graves, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, during a press briefing on Thursday.
Continued Investigations
Authorities are actively identifying more than 80 people wanted for acts of violence at the Capitol. The hunt for suspects is ongoing, even as some January 6 defendants are being released from prison post-sentencing.
The Capitol Trials Landscape
The trials take place at the same courthouse where Donald Trump is scheduled to stand trial in March, accused of conspiring to overturn his 2020 election loss leading up to the Capitol attack.
By the Numbers
Over 1,230 people faced federal charges related to the riot, spanning from misdemeanors to felonies. Approximately 730 pleaded guilty, and about 170 were convicted at trials. Only two defendants were acquitted. Over 750 people have been sentenced, with sentences ranging from days to 22 years in prison.
Supreme Court Impact
A U.S. Supreme Court case challenging the charge of obstruction of an official proceeding could affect hundreds of January 6 defendants. The decision, expected by early summer, has already influenced the proceedings, causing delays in at least two defendants' sentencings.
Fugitive Rioters
Dozens of people who assaulted law enforcement during the riot remain unidentified. The statute of limitations is five years, requiring charges by January 6, 2026. Some defendants, including a Proud Boys member from Florida, fled after being charged.
The Pipe Bomber Mystery
The identity of the person who placed two pipe bombs outside the offices of the Republican and Democratic national committees remains unknown. Authorities increased the reward to $500,000 for information leading to the arrest. The connection between the pipe bombs and the riot remains unclear.