Trump Inauguration Protesters May Face Felony Rioting Charges

The Washington, D.C., rioters who started fires, smashed windows and engaged in other acts of violence to protest Donald Trump’s inauguration may face felony charges.

That means the 230 or so of those who were arrested could face hefty fines and up to 10 years in prison.

And the U.S. attorney’s office has already started to slap the suspects with the full weight of the felony charges.

From the New York Post:

“As of Saturday evening, 80 people had already been slapped with the heavy charges, which include fines of up to $25,000 and up to 10 years in jail, according to Buzzfeed.

“Felony rioting is defined in D.C. law by at least five people who use “tumultuous and violent conduct of the threat thereof” to cause “serious bodily harm” and instigate more than $5,000 in property damage.

“Six local officers were injured by protesters during Trump’s big day. The glass windows of several businesses were shattered in downtown D.C. including Bank of America, McDonald’s and Starbucks.”

All of those charged were released on their own recognizance.

And here’s an interesting tidbit – a nod at the far left bias of the media.

Again, from the New York Post:

“At least one of those arrested was a Vocativ journalist covering the protests, and he was defended by heavy-hitter and former White House attorney Kathryn Ruemmler, Buzzfeed reported.”

Interim D.C. police chief Peter Newsham provided more details about the looming charges, saying prosecutors had decided so far to slap 217 of those arrested with felonies.

On Friday, the first group of 10 men made their appearance in Superior Court, and through their attorney, pleaded not guilty.

Protesters at the inauguration carried crowbars, threw stones and other objects at people on the sidewalk and destroyed several business storefronts. Six police officers werre injured, three by flying objects that hit them in the head.