Federal charges possible for those who rioted after peaceful Boston protests ended, FBI and US Attorney’s Office say

Federal officials in Massachusetts said federal charges could be pursued in connection with the violence after what had been peaceful protests in Boston Sunday.

Boston police arrested 53 people after violence erupted Sunday night. The violence came after the organized protests ended in the city.

Several police officers and bystanders were injured, and numerous businesses and monuments were damaged.

In a statement issued Monday, U.S. Attorney of Massachusetts Andrew Lelling said federal charges could be levied if needed in response to the violence

“Let me be clear: the violence and destruction last night in Boston was an embarrassment to the movement for police reform and accountability,” he said. “The Boston Police, supported by State Police, Transit Police, federal law enforcement and the National Guard, was doing its job – the dangerous, necessary job of protecting the public safety. I support them completely and, if needed, I will use federal charges to make that point.”

Lelling said he commended those people who protested loudly but peacefully.

“But stealing suits, robbing a jewelry store, and rounding out the night by vandalizing businesses in Back Bay, attacking police and torching cruisers? That’s crime, and nothing more,” he said.

FBI Boston Special Agent-in-Charge Joseph R. Bonavolonta said in a statement that the FBI remains in contact with Boston and Massachusetts State Police and is prepared to assist them. The FBI asked people to send photos or video of people “engaged in criminal behavior” on Sunday night.

“We are also working with the Massachusetts United States Attorney’s Office to determine what – if any – federal violations may have occurred,” he said.

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