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Press Release

Statement of United States Attorney Jason Dunn on the Use of the Federal Joint Terrorism Task Force in Response to Rioting

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Colorado

Together with the FBI, the United States Attorney’s Office will protect all citizens’ right to peacefully protest – especially after the tragic events in Minnesota and elsewhere.  But the last few days have seen protests in Denver hijacked by criminal elements, who have turned these protests into violent riots in our own communities.  While we can and should peacefully advocate for our beliefs, no one may incite a riot, start a fire, or injure other people in the process. 

Today, Attorney General Barr has directed that the Department’s existing network of regional FBI Joint Terrorism Task Forces will be deployed to apprehend and charge violent agitators hijacking peaceful protests and engaging in violations of federal law.  In Colorado, the U.S Attorney’s Office and the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) are working together.  The JTTF consists of highly trained FBI agents and investigators from federal and local law enforcement agencies, including Task Force Officers from the Denver Police Department.   Today, the JTTF has been directed to investigate any potential violations of federal law associated with the ongoing activity in Denver and elsewhere.  Where violations are identified, prosecutors from my office will hold violators accountable to fullest extent of federal law.

Anyone planning future acts of violence should know that our law enforcement community is united in protecting Colorado, and we will do so.

 

 

Updated May 31, 2020