An executive order signed by President Trump on June 26, 2020, didn't create new enforcement powers or guaranteed penalties to deal with vandalism or defacement of federal property. The penalties outlined by the order were already established by existing laws, including potential maximum imprisonment of up to ten years.
The June order followed continuing widespread unrest in response to the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. In some cities participants toppled statues of past U.S. leaders and defaced historical monuments.
Initial charges filed against those rioting at the Capitol on Jan. 6 have relied on statutes other than those highlighted in the June order. A prosecutor on Jan. 13 said authorities continue to search for hundreds more suspects, and could add other, more serious charges to the offenses outlined initially.