The article discusses the efforts of ordinary Americans who volunteered their time to track down and identify Capitol rioters in the wake of the January 6th incident at the US Capitol. These citizen sleuths, known as Sedition Hunters, used tools such as an app and facial-recognition technology to help identify individuals involved in the riot. Their work proved invaluable to the overwhelmed FBI, which was conducting the largest federal investigation in American history. The Sedition Hunters often outperformed their professional counterparts, and their efforts led to the arrest of several individuals involved in the riot. However, there are concerns about the statute of limitations for bringing remaining fugitives to justice and the possibility of pardons if Trump were to win the presidency again. Overall, the Sedition Hunters’ work showcases the power of citizen activism and the role of technology in investigations.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Americans form citizen network to track down Capitol rioters | People taking action to hold rioters accountable | Increased public participation in criminal investigations | Desire for justice and accountability |
| Spontaneous citizen network assists overwhelmed FBI in identifying Capitol rioters | Shift in investigative power from authorities to citizens | Increased reliance on citizen-led investigations | Lack of resources and capacity within law enforcement agencies |
| Citizen sleuths utilize advanced technology and social media to identify rioters | Advancement in technology aids in identifying suspects | Continued use of advanced technology in criminal investigations | Increasing availability and accessibility of advanced technology |
| Citizen sleuths outperform FBI in some cases, making more accurate identifications | FBI’s reputation and effectiveness undermined | Decreased trust in the FBI’s investigative capabilities | Perception of bias and political influence within the FBI |
| Potential for presidential pardons for Capitol rioters | Uncertainty regarding future legal consequences for rioters | Possible pardons for misdemeanor charges if Trump is re-elected | Political motivations and loyalty to Trump |