World enews: US Capitol police officer charged for helping rioter hide evidence of involvement in Jan 6

A US Capitol Police officer has been indicted on charges of obstruction of justice after he told a Facebook contact to remove posts from the insurrection on 6 January.

The indictment states that Michael Riley told a person to remove any social media posts showing that they were present during the riot at the Capitol.

Prosecutors say that Mr Riley, who was arrested on Friday, sent a private message to an individual who had posted selfies from 6 January and videos about being in the Capitol. Mr Riley had been in the same Facebook groups focused on fishing as the individual.

“[I’m] a capitol police officer who agrees with your political stance,” Mr Riley allegedly wrote. “Take down the part about being in the building they are currently investigating and everyone who was in the building is going to [be] charged. Just looking out!”

“[I’m] glad you got out of there unscathed We had over 50 officers hurt, some pretty bad,” Mr Riley added.

More than 100 officers ended up being injured on 6 January.

Mr Riler also told the person in the middle of January to “get off of social media”.

“They’re arresting dozens of people a day. Everyone that was in the building, engaged in violent acts, or destruction of property…and they’re all being charged federally with felonies,” he allegedly wrote.

More follows…