Former DOJ Attorney Believes Sedition Could be a Charge Made Against Capitol Rioters

In an interview for ’60 minutes’ the former acting D.C. U.S. Attorney Michael Sherwin said he believes sedition could be a charge made against some capitol riot defendants. He said ‘it’s unequivocal that Trump was the magnet that brought the people to D.C. on January 6th.’ His comments come as he leaves his Justice Department post. He was appointed to the job during Trump’s administration. Attorney General Merrick Garland and Sherwin’s successor acting U.S. Attorney for D.C Channing Phillips have not addressed whether Trump will be investigated. So far, no public officials have been charged with crimes related to the Capitol riot investigation though several defendants have blamed former President Trump saying they believed his accusations of election fraud and came to the Capitol to oppose Congress’ certification of election results. Through a spokesperson, Trump has denied responsibility. Sedition is similar to treason or rebellion and is meant to respond to attempts to overthrow the U.S. government. It carries a longer maximum possible sentence than conspiracy.