![]() But prosecutors did say the cans “appeared to be intact.” ![]() An FBI agent who testified at that hearing danced around the question of whether it had been deployed, saying the investigation was “ongoing” and that the canisters hadn’t been submitted for forensic analysis. The Justice Department news release announcing the charges in March said the officers had been hit with an “unknown chemical substance,” but also quoted a video of Khater asking Tanios to “give me that bear s–t” shortly before the assault.Īt Tanios’ detention hearing in West Virginia, the phrase “bear spray” was brought up 20 times, according to a transcript. Prosecutors also emphasized the bear spray angle. Trump supporters could be incited to future violence by his continued promotion of 2020 election lies, DOJ and judges say (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images) Samuel Corum/Getty Images Trump supporters gathered in the nation's capital today to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Trump in the 2020 election. Capitol following a rally with President Donald Trump on Januin Washington, DC. WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: Pro-Trump supporters storm the U.S. “It’s an uncontested fact that there are no bears in downtown DC.”ĬNN and other outlets had reported in February that a leading theory for investigators was that a chemical irritant, possibly bear spray, may have triggered a fatal reaction and killed Sicknick. Prosecutor Gilead Light said Tuesday that it was the pepper spray that Khater allegedly used on Capitol grounds.Ī “smaller can of a different chemical spray” was used, but “the bear spray is relevant because it goes to the planning,” Light said, arguing that the defendants had geared up for violence and were ready to use the repellant. Past testimony from Khater and the manager of a gun shop had already established that Tanios bought canisters of bear spray and pepper spray shortly before January 6. They’re seeking to be released from jail and will be before a federal judge again next week. Khater and Tanios have pleaded not guilty and maintain that they’re not a danger to the public. The narrative was already muddled by prosecutors repeatedly citing the bear spray, unsanctioned speculation from the former US attorney who led the probe, exaggerated statements from law enforcement and inaccurate early press reports about a fire extinguisher hitting Sicknick. Taken together, these developments clarify key facts about the day before Sicknick’s death, which has emerged as one of the most well-known incidents from the insurrection. Justice Department has charged at least 400 people in Capitol riot so far (Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images) Jon Cherry/Getty Images A pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol, breaking windows and clashing with police officers. WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: A large group of pro-Trump protesters stand on the East steps of the Capitol Building after storming its grounds on Januin Washington, DC.
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