Social media and online forums reportedly enabled supporters of President Donald Trump to connect with each other and plan the January 6 insurrection aimed at preventing a democratic transfer of power, but in the aftermath of the riots, the internet is helping law enforcement identify individuals who fomented unrest at the U.S. Capitol for arrest.
On Thursday morning, around five hours after Vice President Mike Pence officially affirmed President-elect Joe Biden’s election victory, the Federal Bureau of Investigations put out a call for tips to help the agency identify “individuals instigating violence in Washington, D.C.” The Department of Justice also put out a statement indicating some participants will be charged today, with more to come over the next days and weeks.
The link to FBI.gov/USCapitol leads to a tip page urging witnesses to “submit any information, photos, or videos that could be relevant.” The FBI’s local Washington Field Office tweeted a similar message shortly after midnight Thursday morning. The bureau’s digital team has been combing social media images, according to CNN’s Jim Sciutto.
FBI Director Christopher Wray also released a statement Thursday describing the riots as showing a “blatant and appalling disregard for our institutions of government and the orderly administration of the democratic process.” Wray also encouraged members of the public to assist by submitting tips and videos of illegal activity.
“Let me assure the American people the FBI has deployed our full investigative resources and is working closely with our federal, state, and local partners to aggressively pursue those involved in criminal activity during the events of January 6,” Wray’s statement reads. “Our agents a ..
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