U.S. says more than 300 people charged to date over Capitol riots

Reuters

Published Feb 26, 2021 01:53PM ET

Updated Feb 26, 2021 02:40PM ET

By Sarah N. Lynch and Mark Hosenball

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department has charged more than 300 people with taking part in the deadly storming of the Capitol by former President Donald Trump's supporters, and at least 280 have been arrested, Acting Deputy Attorney General John Carlin told reporters on Friday.

"The investigation into those responsible is moving at a speed and scale that's unprecedented, and rightly so," he said. "Those responsible must be held to account, and they will be."

His comments came just one day after Capitol Police Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman told lawmakers that Trump supporters had indicated they may wish to blow up the building. Pittman expressed concern extremists could target Congress during an address by President Joe Biden.