LEXINGTON, Ky. — Supporters of President Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol Wednesday, Jan. 6, during the certification of the Electoral College votes that favored President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. As a result, the FBI has established a website where people can submit information, videos, and pictures from the riot to identify individuals that instigated or actively participated in the violence.  

The FBI is encouraging people to visit fbi.gov/uscapitol to submit tips and digital media files depicting the rioting and violence that has resulted in five deaths, including Capitol Police officer Brian D. Sicknick, who died after being physically injured while engaging with protesters.

Other deaths were Ashli Babbitt, 35, of Huntington, Maryland, who died from a gunshot wound; Rosanne Boyland, 34, of Kennesaw, Georgia; Kevin Greeson, 55, of Athens, Alabama; and Benjamin Phillips, of Ringtown, Pennsylvania. Boyland, Greeson, and Phillips all died after suffering medical emergencies. 

Entering the U.S. Capitol in such a manner is a violation of federal law, and the FBI is also encouraging anyone with information to call 1-800-CALL-FBI to report tips verbally. 

“Our goal is to preserve the public’s constitutional right to protest by protecting everyone from violence and other criminal activity,” according to the site. “If you have witnessed unlawful violent actions, we urge you to submit any information, photos, or videos that could be relevant.”

As of Friday, Jan. 8, the FBI had received more than 7,000 tips identifying rioters from the Capitol mob and have deployed photos, videos, and facial-recognition software to identify and charge rioters.

“The violence and destruction of property at the U.S. Capitol building yesterday showed a blatant and appalling disregard for our institutions of government and the orderly administration of the democratic process,” said Christopher Wray, director of the FBI. “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. Such behavior betrays the values of our democracy. Make no mistake: with our partners, we will hold accountable those who participated in (Wednesday’s) siege of the Capitol.”

The FBI field office in Washington D.C., is also offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the location, arrest, and conviction of the person or people responsible for pipe bombs found near the Democrat and Republican national committee headquarters. 

“Let me assure the American people the FBI has deployed our full investigative resources and is working closely with our federal, state, and local partners to aggressively pursue those involved in criminal activity during the events of Jan. 6,” Wray said. “Our agents and analysts have been hard at work through the night gathering evidence, sharing intelligence, and working with federal prosecutors to bring charges. Members of the public can help by providing tips, information, and videos of illegal activity. We are determined to find those responsible and ensure justice is served.”

The Anti-Defamation League Center on Extremism said it identified several extremist and extremist groups at the riot and is in communication with the FBI. 

United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky Robert Duncan Jr. said he is seeking information along with his colleagues. 

“If we can prove you traveled from (the Eastern District of Kentucky) to D.C. to commit violent criminal acts, then you will be prosecuted,” he said. “We are sworn to protect the Constitution and uphold the law.”

The Eastern District of Kentucky covers nearly 70 counties from Fayette County to the eastern border.

Washington D.C., Metro Police Chief Robert J. Contee is also asking for tips to identify rioters. He said as of Friday, Jan. 8, more than 80 people had been arrested and has released a 27-page PDF of photos and information, asking the public for help identifying “persons of interest” included in the document. No one from Kentucky had been arrested as of 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8.

Thirteen individuals have been charged with federal crimes. Approximately 40 individuals have been arrested and charged in Superior Court with offenses including, but not limited to, unlawful entry, curfew violations, and firearms-related crimes.

Contee also reported 56 MPD officers were injured during the riots, and six firearms were recovered.