Federal Prosecutors to Charge Most Trump Inauguration Arrestees with Felony Rioting
The U.S. Attorney’s Office said the offense is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The office said most of those arrested will be released without having to post bail and must return to court in February.
January 23, 2017
Most of the approximately 230 protesters arrested on Inauguration Day will be charged with felony rioting, federal prosecutors said.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office said the offense is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The office said most of those arrested will be released without having to post bail and must return to court in February.
Interim D.C. police chief Peter Newsham said Friday that 217 people were being charged with rioting, CBS News reports.The arrests came after some protesters created chaos during the Trump inauguration events. Windows of downtown businesses were smashed, and police deployed pepper spray and “sting balls” against the crowd.
The protesters were armed with crowbars and threw objects at people and businesses, destroying storefronts and damaging vehicles.
Six police officers were hurt -- three of them hit in the head with flying objects, CBS affiliate WUSA reported .
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