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This fact brief was originally published as an experiment to test the concepts behind fact briefs.
Readers should be aware that while there is still a lot of useful information in fact briefs like this one, not all of them reflect Gigafact's current methods and standards for fact briefs. If you come across any that you feel are out of date, don't hesitate to contact us at support@gigafact.org.
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FACT BRIEF

Have prosecutors brought forward widespread conspiracy charges related to organizing the Jan. 6 Capitol riot?

By Jacob Alabab-Moser
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NO

Government prosecutors have mostly avoided charging individuals or groups with conspiracy-related crimes involving the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Immediately after the attack, prosecutors suggested those found to be involved could face charges such such as seditious conspiracy or racketeering.

Prosecutors to date have charged 18 people affiliated with the “Oath Keepers” for offenses including conspiracy. Most of the more than 570 individuals charged to date in connection with the incident, however, face charges such as assaulting a law enforcement officer, illegal entry or disorderly conduct.

Sources with knowledge of the FBI's investigation of the riot say that the agency has found little evidence of an organized plot, as Reuters reported in August. Earlier news media reports said the FBI found little evidence of widespread advance planning by insurgents to breach the Capitol building. 

The law enforcement investigation remains ongoing.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
US Department of Justice Fifth superseding indictment unsealed in Oath Keeper conspiracy case related to Jan. 6 Capitol breach
US Department of Justice US Attorney for District of Columbia: Capitol Breach cases
Lawfare Here’s how the Capitol mob violated federal criminal law
Reuters Exclusive: FBI finds scant evidence US Capitol attack was coordinated - sources
Wall Street Journal Capitol riot cases show scant evidence of advance plans to breach the Capitol
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Gigafact
Between 2020 and 2022, under close editorial supervision, Gigafact contracted a group of freelance writers and editors to test the concepts for fact briefs and provide inputs to our software development process. We call this effort Gigafact Foundry. Over the course of these two years, Gigafact Foundry writers published over 1500 fact briefs in response to claims they found online. Their important work forms the basis of Gigafact formats and editorial guidelines, and is available to the public on Gigafact.org. Readers should be aware that while there is still a lot of relevant information to be found, not all fact briefs produced by Gigafact Foundry reflect Gigafact's current methods and standards for fact briefs. If you come across any that you feel are out of date and need to be looked at with fresh eyes, don't hesitate to contact us at support@gigafact.org.
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About fact briefs published on Gigafact
Fact briefs are short, credibly sourced summaries that offer “yes/no” answers in response to claims found online. They rely on publicly available, often primary source data and documents. Fact briefs are created by contributors to Gigafact —a nonprofit project looking to expand participation in fact-checking and protect the democratic process. See all fact briefs here.