CLEVELAND – U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman sent a warning to Northeast Ohio residents who traveled to Washington DC to protest the certification of Electoral College President-elect Joe Biden. He said anyone who has been involved in illegal acts in the chaos will be prosecuted.
“I have two days left to do this job. I can go to sleep very little in that remaining time. If these people, or anyone else who has committed federal crimes today at the Capitol, are from northern Ohio, you will be held accountable before you leave office, “Herdman posted in a tweet.” Coffee is brewed … “
I have two days left to do this job. I can go to sleep very little in that remaining time. If these people, or anyone else who has committed federal crimes at the Capitol today, are from northern Ohio, you will be held accountable before you leave office. The coffee is being prepared … https://t.co/N0K73tC7Wr
– U.S. Attorney Herdman (@USAttyHerdman) January 6, 2021
Herdman announced last month that he would step down in January. U.S. First Deputy Attorney Bridget Brennan will take on her role this month.
RELATED: U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman resigns
On Wednesday morning, hundreds of Donald Trump supporters traveled to Washington by bus to join the planned protests. About 250-300 fans were seen carrying placards and flags as they boarded the bus leaving Garfield Heights shortly after 2 p.m.
RELATED: 7 buses full of Trump supporters leave Cleveland for Washington DC
Congress met Wednesday in a joint session in a process required by the Constitution to count the votes of the Electoral College and formally select President-elect Joe Biden the winner of the 2020 election until supporters of President Trump opened barricades around the Capitol building, forcing a closure and evacuation of lawmakers.
Police say they believe protesters were able to enter the Capitol building pouring chemical irritants into law enforcement.
Metropolitan Police confirm that one person was shot dead inside the Capitol.
RELATED: A woman shot dead in the Capitol during the riots
CNN has reported that at least two explosive devices have been found around DC today.
President-elect Joe Biden said the events were not a protest, but an “insurrection” and called on President Trump to “intensify.”
The National Guard was later deployed to quell the riots. It is not known if there were any Ohioians arrested.
There is currently a citywide curfew in Washington.
Live blog: Earlier, “chemical irritants” entered, at least 13 arrested, according to police
CLICK HERE to read News 5’s coverage of the chaos at the Capitol.
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