ISU Says Students Not Involved in Criminal Activity

Iowa State University's College Republicans stated last week that they were "fighting on the front lines of D.C." as "brave patriots" during the U.S. Capitol insurrection. But this week, officials at the school told The Gazette they have no knowledge that those students broke any laws.

ISU spokesperson Angie Hunt told the Gazette, "At this time, there is no indication that any students were involved in criminal activity related to the U.S. Capitol breach. We continue to monitor the situation." The group College Republicans at Iowa State tweeted on January 6th that they were "in D.C. and Des Moines fighting for America." They also tweeted out that "people fighting on the front lines in DC (many are members of our club) are brave patriots." That was before rioters breached and entered the Capitol building.

The Gazette reports that Twitter account has sine changed its name to 'Punished College Republicans at Iowa State.' It has also restricted viewers. The group reports that it has 32 Iowa State members and 30 non-ISU members. For recognition as a campus organization, half of voting members must be in the Iowa State community.

Hundreds of participants in last week's rally and riot have already been arrested and face federal charges. Five people died during the Capitol insurrection, including a Capitol police officer who was beaten with a fire extinguisher. So far, no one has been charged in the officers death.