Washington (CNN) Federal criminal investigators have expanded the January 6 investigation to gather information about fundraising and organizing for the political rally held immediately before Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol, as well as the effort to subvert the Electoral College vote count, multiple sources tell CNN. An expanded inquiry into the rally and fake electors represents a new stage of the investigation that looks into a more well-connected political circle. One of the sources said the inquiry appeared to be examining "a higher level of rally planning," including who was communicating with whom. There were multiple rallies before the Capitol riot on January 6, and the federal investigators appear to be asking about the one at which Trump spoke. Some people who have received subpoenas have been looking for lawyers to help them with criminal defense, though the outreach from federal investigators treats them as potential witnesses.

Source: CNN April 01, 2022 03:00 UTC