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FBI seeking public’s help to identify rioters who sieged Capitol

Some rioters have been identified or have identified themselves online

World Leaders React to Siege at U.S. Capitol by Pro-Trump Extremists . On Wednesday, a mob of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in a desperate attempt to overthrow the results of the presidential election. . The attempted coup transfixed people across the globe, with multiple world leaders weighing in on the “disgraceful” antics. . "Disgraceful scenes in U.S. Congress … The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.", British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, via Twitter. "Violence is incompatible with the exercise of democratic rights and freedoms.", Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, via NPR. "The enemies of democracy will be delighted at these terrible images from Washington DC … Trump and his supporters must accept the decision of American voters at last and stop trampling on democracy.", German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, via Twitter. "The rampage at the Capitol yesterday was a disgraceful act that must be vigorously condemned. I have no doubt that American democracy will prevail — it always has.", Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, via NPR. "Canadians are deeply disturbed and saddened by the attack on democracy in the United States, our closet ally and neighbor. Violence will never succeed in overruling the will of the people. Democracy in the US must be upheld - and it will be.", Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, via Twitter. "What we saw in the United States last night showed annihilation of Western democracy in the world … Everyone saw what a populist did to his country and damaged his country's reputation in the international arena.", Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, via NPR. "While people in Palestine & in many other places in the world are struggling to achieve democracy, there are those in the US who are actively sabotaging theirs … Despots everywhere thrive on repression, oppression, & violence.", Palestinian Official Hanan Ashrawi, via Twitter
By Stephanie Toone
Updated Jan 7, 2021

The FBI is seeking tips and leads on the identities of the hundreds of individuals involved in instigating violence Wednesday at the U.S. Capitol.

Thursday morning, the agency called on the public to offer tips and digital media that would show the violence that occurred during the rioting at the Capitol and around Washington, D.C. Those who witnessed unlawful violent action during the uproar Wednesday are asked to fill out an online form with information, photos or videos with relevant insight to fbi.gov/USCapitol.

As a result of the insurrection conjured by statements made by President Donald Trump on Wednesday, a woman who rushed the Capitol, Ashli Babbitt, was killed by police and three others died due to medical emergencies Wednesday. Several officers and others were injured, while about 50 people were arrested.

ExploreProtester in Viking headdress ID’d as Trump supporter, not Antifa

An unknown number of protesters charged the legislative chambers after a rally held by Trump, where he purported that the votes were stolen in the presidential election. As Congress attempted to certify the Electoral College votes Wednesday afternoon, a pro-Trump mob took siege of the Capitol, ransacked several offices and attacked police officers attempting to guard the building. Lawmakers were able to later take the electoral tally Wednesday night, which confirmed Biden’s win, with a tally of 306-232.

Many rioters were removed from the property and, according to reports, most were not residents of the D.C. area. Online, one of those rioters identified herself as Elizabeth from Knoxville. Twitter users outraged by the chaos and threat to democracy the rioters posed called for the FBI to find the woman and arrest her and other rioters.

ExploreTrump commits to ‘orderly transition’ after Biden’s win confirmed

Video of the woman has gone viral on social with millions watching a short interview clip of her complaining about police using pepper spray on her as she entered the building. She referred to the storming of the Capitol, which caused several Congress members, media and staff to shelter-in-place, as a “revolution.”

To share any information related to the riots Wednesday, visit. tips.fbi.gov.

About the Author

Stephanie has been telling stories her whole life. Her interest in the written word started with short stories and journal entries about run-ins with classroom bullies as a child and matured to writing for her high school newspaper over the years. She has written and edited for The Tennessean, Augusta Chronicle and American City & County.

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