Merrick Garland vows to pursue all those responsible for 6 January attack

Attorney general says justice department has no higher priority' and promises further actions over assault on our democracy'

The US attorney general, Merrick Garland, on Wednesday vowed that the justice department would hold accountable all those responsible for the deadly 6 January attack, whether they were physically present at the Capitol or not.

Garland's remarks come as he faces growing calls from lawmakers, legal experts and former elected officials to intensify the department's investigation into the events of Capitol assault, and in particular to prosecute those who helped orchestrate the failed attempt to overturn the 2020 election results, including Donald Trump and his associates.