BOSTON — U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts Andrew Lelling plans to prosecute residents who participated in Wednesday’s attack on the U.S. Capitol.
[ Chaos at the Capitol: US Capitol officer dies from injuries ]
Lelling, appointed by President Trump, said anyone who traveled from Massachusetts with intent to commit crimes against the Capitol will be prosecuted in the state of Massachusetts.
The statement was released from Lelling’s office on Thursday.
Yesterday’s events in Washington were shocking and, once peaceful demonstrations turned violent, they became criminal. The Constitution protects the right to freedom of speech and assembly. What it does not protect is a violent assault on government institutions. Americans on the right and left must re-learn the difference. Anyone who traveled from Massachusetts with the intent to commit such crimes will be prosecuted in the District of Massachusetts.
— U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling
[ MA Congressman presiding over House Chamber when riot erupted ]
The FBI is also asking for help to identify rioters who participated in the attack.
[ FBI asking for help identifying rioter ]
RELATED HEADLINES
[ Chaos at the Capitol: Who was Brian Sicknick, Capitol police officer who died after riots? ]
[ Sen. Ed Markey wants to impeach an ‘unhinged’ Pres. Trump ]
[ Local family member of woman shot by U.S. Capitol police reacts to her death ]
[ School districts discuss Washington, D.C. violence ]
[ Comparison of policing during recent protests at Capitol and during summer 2020 ]
[ Photos: Damage seen in aftermath of US Capitol riot ]
Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW