The FBI sought the public's help in identifying the pro-Trump rioters who stormed the US Capitol, as the Justice Department said a policy adopted in the summer to consider sedition charges for anti-racism protesters would also apply in this case.
Some of the 68 people arrested after Wednesday's assault on the seat of the US government were due in court on Thursday, with most facing initial charges of violating a curfew imposed to quell the unrest.
The assault by supporters of President Donald Trump forced members of Congress who were in the process of certifying President-elect Joe Biden's victory to evacuate the chambers for several hours.
The US Capitol Police said they had arrested another 14 suspects in connection with the rioting, most charged with unlawful entry.
"The violence and destruction of property at the US Capitol building yesterday showed a blatant and appalling disregard for our institutions of government and the orderly administration of the democratic process," Reuters quoted FBI Director Chris Wray as saying in a statement.
"Make no mistake: With our partners, we will hold accountable those who participated in yesterday’s siege of the Capitol."
The Justice Department confirmed that a policy put in place urging federal prosecutors to consider "seditious conspiracy" charges for people involved in anti-racism protests would also apply to those who stormed the Capitol, smashing windows and stealing property.
Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen "continues his commitment to the charging considerations" spelled out in the summer memo laying out that policy, a Justice Department spokesman said in a statement on Thursday.
Rosen added that some of the agitators will face federal charges.
"Some participants in yesterday’s violence will be charged today, and we will continue to methodically assess evidence, charge crimes and make arrests in the coming days and weeks to ensure that those responsible are held accountable under the law," he said in a statement.
In a news conference on Thursday, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Robert Contee said most of the arrests were related to violations of Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser's curfew, and included people arrested on US Capitol grounds.
Several others were arrested on charges related to carrying unlicensed or prohibited firearms.
He said the police had arrested 60 men in connection with the violence at the Capitol and eight women. Forty-one of the arrests occurred on US Capitol grounds.
The FBI is taking the lead on an investigation into two pipe bombs that were recovered from the headquarters of the Republican and Democratic national committees.
D.C. police said the bombs were authentic, and also told reporters they had recovered a cooler from a vehicle on US Capitol grounds that contained Molotov cocktails.
The FBI has asked the public to submit tips, including images and videos, to help agents identify people who were "actively instigating violence."
Mayor Bowser said police also intend to ask the public for help in identifying rioters, many of whom posed for photos inside the Capitol building and can be seen in videos on social media without masks.
