Judges weigh social media posts in criminal sentences for US Capitol attack

Much of the evidence has come from rioters' own words and videos, as many used social media to celebrate the violence

For many insurrectionists who stormed the US Capitol on 6 January, self-incriminating messages, photos and videos that they broadcast on social media before, during and after the attack are influencing their criminal sentences.

Earlier this month, US district judge Amy Jackson read aloud some of Russell Peterson's posts before she sentenced the Pennsylvania man to 30 days imprisonment.