After rioters overran responding police officers and swarmed the House and Senate floors as well as congressional members’ offices on Jan. 6, there was an immediate call for those responsible to be identified, apprehended, and prosecuted.
This incident has prompted a massive, well-coordinated law enforcement response.
The storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, was a day that shocked the nation. As chaos ensued, a modern twist emerged: the very technology some participants used to communicate and document their actions was also employed by law enforcement to identify and track them down.
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This article delves into how technology, specifically mobile apps, played a pivotal role in these events, while also exploring the significance and history of the Capitol building itself.
The Digital Footprint: How Apps Tracked the Attackers
In today’s connected world, every smartphone is equipped with a myriad of apps, many of which have location-tracking capabilities. Participants of the Capitol events were no different.
Some individuals used apps to coordinate movements, livestream their involvement, or even check into locations, leaving behind a digital trail. Law enforcement agencies quickly capitalized on this. Publicly shared videos and photos were cross-referenced with facial recognition databases.
Geo-location data from apps pinpointed who was in the vicinity of the Capitol at the time of the attack. Even health apps, which track physical activity, became crucial, recording spikes in users’ activity during the events.
Their Apps Tracked Criminal Justice
As researchers who focus on criminal justice, we observe that law enforcement officials are using technological resources to access a significant amount of data to look into the attack on the U.S. Capitol building.
To identify criminals and link them to specific locations and times, authorities use high-definition security cameras, facial recognition software, location data from cellphones and third-party apps, and access to historical social media evidence.
Watchdog Organisations
While watchdog organisations have expressed legitimate concerns about the use of surveillance technology by the government and the private sector to identify individuals who may engage in violent behaviour in the future, there has been much less concern expressed about the use of technology to identify, apprehend, and prosecute individuals after these crimes have been committed.
Face Recognition Software
Information about names and/or images of alleged protesters has flowed continuously to law enforcement in the days following the Capitol’s breach.
In order to positively identify people of interest, law enforcement can compare images they have collected, particularly those taken from the network of security cameras inside and outside the Capitol complex, using facial recognition technology.
A face in a video or photo is compared to a face in a database that is linked to a person’s name and other identifying details in order for facial recognition systems to function.
In addition to using public records, law enforcement organisations have been contacting private businesses to gain access to vast databases of recognised faces.
Law Enforcement’s Technological Arsenal
Beyond app data, law enforcement uses an array of technological tools:
- Surveillance Cameras: Cities are dotted with these, capturing footage of suspects.
- Facial Recognition: Software matches images to databases, identifying individuals.
- License Plate Readers: These detect and log vehicles in specific areas.
- Social Media Monitoring: Public posts can provide insights into activities and intent.
Delving into the U.S. Capitol’s Significance
The U.S. Capitol, often referred to as the “Capitol Building” or “Capitol Hill,” is the home of the United States Congress and the seat of the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government. It’s more than just a building; it’s a symbol of the American people and their government.
What Happens Inside the U.S. Capitol?
Inside its iconic domed structure, important functions take place:
- Legislation: Both the Senate and the House of Representatives convene here.
- Ceremonial Functions: Presidential inaugurations occur on its steps.
- Tours & Education: The Capitol is open to visitors, offering insights into U.S. history and politics.
Workforce Dynamics:
The Capitol is bustling with activity. While the exact number fluctuates, thousands work there, including Congress members, their staff, administrative personnel, and security forces.
The U.S. Capitol’s Historical Journey
The cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol was laid by President George Washington in 1793. Originally designed by Dr. William Thornton, it has undergone multiple expansions and restorations.
The Capitol we see today is the result of centuries of architectural enhancements, each signifying different eras in American history.
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Conclusion
The amount of data that some businesses have been gathering from social media and other publicly accessible sources, as well as from CCTV systems in public spaces around the world, is becoming more and more clear, according to a growing body of evidence.
The services of these businesses are easily accessible to law enforcement agencies. The soon-to-be-completed national ID database can be used to instantly identify people taking part in violent encounters in public places.
Some extremist organisations might disband as a result in order to avoid being discovered. the events of January 6 highlighted the intertwining of technology, history, and contemporary issues.
As law enforcement leverages the digital world to ensure security, the Capitol stands as a reminder of the nation’s resilience and the enduring significance of its democratic institutions.
