7 Philadelphia transit officers under investigation for attending Trump rally prior to deadly Capitol attack

Seven Philadelphia transit cops are below investigation for attending President Trump’s rally in Washington, D.C., final week, officers stated Tuesday. The investigation into the officers, who’re a part of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), will look at in the event that they had been concerned in any unlawful habits.

Mr. Trump’s rally on Wednesday led to a violent mob attacking and coming into the U.S. Capitol, the place pro-Trump rioters triggered the electoral vote depend to be delayed and compelled members of Congress and their workers for hours. At the least 5 individuals died — together with two officers with the Capitol Police — and at the very least three Home lawmakers have examined constructive for COVID-19 after the Capitol siege. Mr. Trump can also be dealing with a second impeachment, a primary in U.S. historical past, because of the riot.

“[The officers] are being investigated to see in the event that they had been concerned in riotous habits or for violations of our social media insurance policies,” SEPTA Police Chief Thomas Nestel stated, in response to CBS Philly.

The station stated that there was a tip {that a} SEPTA worker was on the rally, and the investigation revealed a number of extra officers who had been in attendance. SEPTA is trying into whether or not the workers had been a part of the mob that breached the U.S. Capitol.

SEPTA stated any details about the investigation might be shared with the FBI and that the seven officers will stay on the pressure amid the probe.

In the meantime, Justice Division officers informed reporters in a briefing earlier Tuesday that federal investigators have opened greater than 170 circumstances in relation to the riot on the Capitol, and rioters may face fees of sedition and conspiracy.

“We’re important felony circumstances tied to sedition and conspiracy,” stated Michael Sherwin, the appearing U.S. Legal professional for the District of Columbia. “Persons are going to be shocked at among the egregious conduct that occurred inside the Capitol.”

Sherwin informed reporters that he expects “a whole bunch” extra circumstances to be opened by the top of the investigation. Sherwin and Steven D’Antuono, the top of the FBI’s Washington area workplace, indicated that the investigation into these occasions could be large, spanning the nation.

Kris Van Cleave contributed to this report.