FBI Investigating Tip-Off That Woman Stole Pelosi’s Laptop To Sell To Russia

Topline

As part of ongoing criminal investigations into the January 6 Capitol riots, the Federal Bureau of Investigation is following up on a tip claiming that a Pennsylvania woman, who is seen in videos inside the Capitol, stole a laptop or hard drive from Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office with the intention of selling it to Russia.

Key Facts

Key Background

Amid the horrifying reports of rioters storming the Capitol on January 6, images of a pro-Trump mob accessing official computers prompted particular concern from security experts. A spokesperson for Pelosi said a laptop “only used for presentations” had been stolen from the speaker’s conference room — it’s unclear whether this is the same device spoken about in Williams’ affidavit — Majority Whip Jim Clyburn said his iPad had been stolen and Sen. (D-Or) Jeff Merkley’s laptop was stolen. It’s unclear whether other devices or harddrives have been removed from the Capitol complex alongside a number of other goods stolen, including speaker Pelosi’s lectern, which has since been found and returned. 

What To Watch For

The Capitol is on high alert ahead of Inauguration Day Wednesday. Some 25,000 National Guard troops are expected to be in D.C. for the event and are being vetted ahead of time. 

Further Reading

Clyburn’s Ipad, Laptop From Pelosi’s Office: Items Stolen, Destroyed In Capitol Attack (Forbes)

FBI investigating whether woman stole laptop from Pelosi’s office to sell it to Russia (Politico)

Capitol Hill Mob Accessed Congressional Computers—‘Consider Them All Compromised’ (Forbes)