Garland to deliver speech Wednesday addressing DOJ prosecutions of January 6 participants

Attorney General Merrick Garland will deliver a speech Wednesday about the Justice Department's ongoing efforts to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

The department said the Garland, one day before the first anniversary of the riot will "update department employees and the American people on [the] Justice Department's efforts to hold accountable those responsible for the unprecedented attack on the U.S. Capitol one year ago," according to The Hill newspaper.

The agency also said Garland will "reaffirm" the department's continued commitment to defending Americans and American democracy "from violence and threats of violence."

In December, the agency confirmed that 725 people had been arrested in connection with the riot, and 145 have pleaded guilty to federal charges.

"The Department of Justice’s resolve to hold accountable those who committed crimes on Jan. 6, 2021, has not, and will not, wane," said agency said.

On Thursday, the one-year anniversary of the riot, President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will deliver speeches. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has announced a prayer vigil at the Capitol that lawmakers will be able able discuss their experience of the day. 

Former President Trump has also announced that he will deliver a speech at Mar-a-Lago on Thursday.