Capitol riot investigators shifting focus to militia group with ties to Trump associates: ex-FBI official
The investigation into extremist groups who waged insurrection inside the U.S. Capitol is getting closer to Donald Trump, a former top law enforcement official explained on MSNBC on Saturday.
"Let's go to new numbers on the capitol insurrection," MSNBC anchor Alex Witt said. "Prosecutors are calling it one of the largest investigations in American history. So take a look at these figures: 210,000 tips, 15,000 hours of video, data from 1,600 devices. 80,000 reports with 93,000 attachments related to witnesses and suspects. 900 search warrants were executed in almost every state, as well as Washington, DC. There are 320 people now facing charges with charges expected for at least 100 more."
For analysis, Witt interviewed former FBI Assistant Director Frank Figliuzzi.
Frank, these numbers are staggering," Witt said. "Put this into context, how do you interpret these numbers?"
"Well, what we're hearing, Alex, is that this has now become the largest investigation in FBI history," Figliuzzi replied. "And it's not just about the number of subjects arrested or under investigation, but as you pointed out, it's the data behind this. It's the overwhelming tranche of body camera footage from officers, electronic surveillance, CCTV from the Capitol, all the social media posts before and after."
"Prosecutors are reportedly focused on a conspiracy case that involves members of the Oath Keepers militia," Witt noted. "Why is this significant, Frank?"
"We've been hearing a lot about the Proud Boys and now in the double digits the number of Proud Boys," Figliuzzi replied. "But now the focus seems to be turning toward the Oath Keepers. And that's significant because the Oath Keepers -- at least some of them -- seem to have a relationship or affiliation with some in the Trump circle, even Roger Stone."
"The neat thing about Proud Boys and Oath Keepers being looked at investigatively is we may see application of the RICO statute -- that's a racketeering statue that's been used against groups like the Hells Angels and the mafia. So prosecutors may be saying there's enough here that this group stands for enough violence that we're going to use a racketeering statute, take their assets, take down the group, that's an opportunity," he explained.
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