While Americans watched Wednesday’s events unfold, many people noticed the surprising lack of arrests within the violent mob. Unprepared to manage such a large crowd, the Capitol police primarily focused on evacuating the rioters from the building to prevent further chaos. Reports indicated the arrest of only 13 people as of Wednesday night, but that number will continue to increase with the hours of video footage and countless photos that expose the faces of rioters.  With the majority of participants remaining maskless, prosecutors will easily be able to identify and charge those involved with the proper offenses.

To prevent the occurrence of any event similar to the siege of the U.S. Capitol, investigators will piece together digital media to prosecute every person involved. “Anyone that had a role, and the evidence fits the elements of a crime, they’re going to be charged,” Michael Sherwin, the acting U.S. attorney in Washington, assured the public.

Federal crimes committed by the perpetrators can vary in the lengths of prison sentences and the cost of fines. Property damage to the Capitol building exceeding $1,000 can be charged with up to 10 years in prison, and robbers of federal property can receive at most 15-year sentences. Involvement in seditious conspiracies or advocating the overthrow of government incriminates violators with a fine or even up to 20 years in prison. The mob’s motives to halt the certification of the Electoral College vote conflicts with various federal laws, such as having an intent to “injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate any person… in the free exercise… of any right or privilege secured to him by the Constitution”. The rioters who invaded the Capitol building interrupted a Congressional session, which will not be easily pardoned. 

FBI Director Christopher Wray solidifies prosecutors’ intents to charge all rioters, “As we’ve said consistently, we do not tolerate violent agitators and extremists who use the guise of First Amendment-protected activity to incite violence and wreak havoc.”

The unmistakable security failure of Wednesday’s riots and the president’s instigation of the events has caused the resignation of many White House officials. “This was an unspeakable tragedy and travesty and an enormous security failure,” Democratic Representative Jason Crow expressed. “Massive security failure. I think an awful lot of people should lose their jobs over this, over what has happened.”

After Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other lawmakers called for his resignation, Steven Sund, the head of the U.S. Capitol Police, complied. 

Arrests connected to the breach are ongoing as the punishment of the wrongdoers is a necessity; without it, the events at the Capitol send a dangerous message to the public. Those who have attempted to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power will be held accountable for their brazen, ill-intentioned actions.