Many of those who engaged in the violent protest that ended the life of one D.C. officer and several protesters are facing federal charges right now. Their faces and names are appearing all over social media and their identities are being revealed. In cases in which the federal government refuses to file charges, the individuals are being held accountable by the companies for which they work. One Chicago-area CEO discovered this the hard way.
Bradley Rukstales is one of the protesters who are facing federal charges stemming from the Capitol riot. He has also lost his job as CEO of the tech company Cogensia. A spokesperson for the company said Rukstales was terminated on Friday, effective immediately. The Vice President and COO of the company will take over Rukstales’ duties.
The company issued a statement that said that Rukstales’ actions were not consistent with the core values of the company. Rukstales is also facing federal charges for unlawful entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.
Charges Stemming From the Capitol Riots
This is a brief, non-exhaustive list of the many charges the Capitol rioters are facing:
- Making interstate threats against a public official
- Entering a restricted area unlawfully
- Violent entry
- Disorderly conduct
- Theft of public property
- Weapons violations (illegal weapons)
- Weapons violations based on carrying inside the Capitol
- Carrying an explosive/incendiary device
- Assault on a federal law enforcement officer
- Attempting to impede or disrupt government functions
Law Enforcement Agencies Involved in the Investigation
There are five law enforcement agencies that are collaborating during this investigation. They include:
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation
- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and Explosives
- U.S. Marshals service
- U.S. Capitol Police Department
- D.C. Metropolitan police department
What Will Happen?
That remains to be seen. It is unclear what type of planning went into the riot. It is clear that some of the individuals who traveled to D.C. to protest the electoral count did so with the intent to do violence. They had incendiary devices and weapons with them that would indicate their intent was violent.
However, it is unclear that the individuals coordinated in a specific way to stampede the Capitol. It certainly looks that way, however. The FBI will investigate whether or not there was a coordinated effort to cause this riot. Regardless, those who brought weapons to the Capitol or were accused of assaulting police officers are not likely to escape these charges without prison time. There is too much scrutiny and outrage right now.
Further charges could await the former President after he is out of office. Since at least some of the folks in that mob had ill intentions toward the one individual willing to pardon Trump (Pence), it is unclear if Trump has not burned every useful bridge he has left to him.
Talk to a Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney Today
If you have been involved in any riots recently, you may need a criminal defense attorney. Call David Freidberg today at (312) 560-7100 to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can help.