Justice Department Drops Claim—For Now—That Rioters Planned To ‘Capture And Assassinate Elected Officials’ - Forbes

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Topline

The U.S. Department of Justice has quickly backed down from its claim that rioters who invaded the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 intended to kill public officials, with D.C.’s top prosecutor saying Friday there’s “no direct evidence” of that, just hours after prosecutors made the claim in writing against an accused rioter in Arizona.

Key Facts

Late Thursday, federal prosecutors in Arizona submitted a court filing saying there was “strong evidence” rioters planned “to capture and assassinate public elected officials.”

But acting D.C. U.S. Attorney Michael Sherwin walked back that claim during a briefing Friday, saying the investigation is still in its early stages, and a prosecutor in Arizona has now asked a judge to strike the language from the court filing.

Prosecutors made the claim in the case against Jacob Chansley, arguing that Chansley—who they say is the rioter widely photographed appearing shirtless and wearing buffalo horns—should not be released from custody.

Crucial Quote

“Strong evidence, including Chansley’s own words and actions at the Capitol, supports that the intent of the Capitol rioters was to capture and assassinate elected officials in the United States Government,” prosecutors said in the filing. The DOJ has requested for that line to be removed.

What To Watch For

Prosecutors may still make that argument in the future. According to CNN, Arizona-based federal prosecutor Todd Allison said that claim could come up at a potential trial for Chansley.

Key Background

Though the legal argument isn’t being made for now, many outside observers say killing elected officials is exactly what the Trump-supporting mob planned to do. At one point during the riot, the mob storming the building chanted “hang Mike Pence” as gallows were set up outside the Capitol.The Washington Post reported Friday that rioters came within about a minute of spotting Pence as he fled the Senate chamber to a nearby hiding spot. As for legal efforts against rioters, they are now well underway. According to the FBI, more than 100 arrests had already been made by Thursday, with 200 suspects identified.