How Federal Prosecutors use Social Media to Convict the Capitol Insurrectionists

• In Event: Ethics in Practice: New Research on Prosecution, Environmental Decision-Making, and Cultural Preservation

Abstract

The Capitol insurrection on January 6, 2021, highlights the increase of domestic terrorism and violent extremism among right-wing groups in the United States. Individuals within these groups use social media to document their activities, recruit members, and to communicate ideological messages. Through use of visual criminology, the paper documents how federal prosecutors use social media to bring criminal charges against Capitol insurrectionists. The paper concludes with policy implications and directions for future research.

Authors

• Alexa Gabriela Mendoza, Sam Houston State University

• Michael S. Vaughn, Sam Houston State University