DOJ Announces Mass Charges for Suspects They Say Committed Crimes 'Under the Guise' of Peaceful Protest
The Department of Justice announced Thursday that more than 300 people are now facing federal charges stemming from the violence that has occurred in cities across the country since May.
In a news release, the department said individuals in 29 states and the District of Columbia would face federal charges related to a wide range of crimes.
The crimes in question, according to the release, were “committed adjacent to or under the guise of peaceful demonstrations.”
The DOJ said more than 40 separate U.S. attorneys’ offices have filed charges over crimes ranging from attempted murder, to arson, to assaulting a law enforcement officer.
Other crimes being prosecuted include damaging federal property and inciting a riot.
Moreover, many charges are related to alleged crimes involving guns or explosives.
The crimes include “burglary of a federally-licensed firearms dealer,” as well as “malicious destruction of property using fire or explosives, [being a] felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, unlawful possession of a destructive device” and “felony civil disorder,” according to the DOJ.
“Violent opportunists have exploited these demonstrations in various ways,” the Justice Department said, adding that roughly 80 people “have been charged with offenses relating to arson and explosives.
“Approximately 15 individuals have been charged with damaging federal property. In some instances, these individuals are alleged to have set fires to local businesses as well as city and federal property, which will regrettably incur millions of taxpayer dollars to repair damages,” the DOJ statement added.
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