FBI Is Still Looking For Florida Trump Rioter That Stole Pelosi Podium. Here Are the 13 That Have Been Arrested So Far.

florida-trump-rioter

Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images

By Araceli Cruz

January 8, 2021

FBI: “As we’ve said consistently, we do not tolerate violent agitators and extremists who use the guise of First Amendment-protected activity to incite violence and wreak havoc.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is actively searching for several right-wing extremists that invaded Capitol Hill on Jan. 6, and asked the public for help. One of those who was visibly seen storming into House Chambers is Adam Christian Johnson—he smiled as Getty photographer Win McNamee took his picture. Bradenton Herald identified the man as a Florida resident. The 36-year-old male was pictured carrying the podium of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. 

RELATED: Latino Lawmakers: ‘The Domestic Terrorism’ in Nation’s Capitol Is ‘Trump’s Fault Alone’

As of Jan. 8, Johnson has yet to be apprehended by authorities. However, more than 80 people have been arrested, including at least three individuals from Florida who were charged with unlawful entry.

“The violence and destruction of property at the US Capitol building yesterday showed a blatant and appalling disregard for our institutions of government and the orderly administration of the democratic process,” the FBI stated on Jan. 7. “As we’ve said consistently, we do not tolerate violent agitators and extremists who use the guise of First Amendment-protected activity to incite violence and wreak havoc.”

What Charges Do They Face?

The FBI reports that the individuals they arrested thus far, face charges that include:

  • Verbal threats to an elected official 
  • Unlawful entry 
  • Disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds
  • Theft of public money, property, or records 
  • Entering a restricted area
  • Possession of an unregistered firearm 
  • Carrying a pistol without a license
  • Curfew violations
  • Firearms-related crimes

There’s also an active federal murder investigation over the killing of US Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick. 

Some of the other serious charges could be “seditious conspiracy,” which means “to prevent, hinder, or delay the execution of any law of the United States, or by force to seize, take, or possess any property of the United States contrary to the authority thereof.”

What Jail Time and Fines Could Right-Wing Trump Terrorists Face?

If someone is charged with “seditious conspiracy,” they face up to 20 years in jail. 

According to NBC News, if someone is charged with a misdemeanor for defacing government property, they face up to $1,000 in fines. If it’s a felony charge, they face more than $1,000 in fines. 

Furthermore, misdemeanors carry fines and up to a year in prison, while the felony count lists maximum prison terms of 10 years.

RELATED: What Is the 25th Amendment and Why Are Folks Calling for It to Be Invoked After the Capitol Chaos?

Click here for a complete list of arrests and charges. 

Trump Capitol Hill Rioters Arrested and Charged by the FBI  

  1. Cleveland Meredith was charged on Jan. 7, 2021, with making interstate threats to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.
  2. Richard Barnett, of Arkansas, was charged on Jan. 7, 2021, with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful entry; violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds; and theft of public money, property, or records. Barnett allegedly entered a restricted area of the speaker of the House.
  3. Lonnie Coffman, of Alabama, was charged on Jan. 7, 2021, with possession of an unregistered firearm (destructive device) and carrying a pistol without a license. It is alleged that Coffman’s vehicle contained 11 explosive devices known as Molotov cocktails and firearms. It is further alleged he was in possession of two firearms. Coffman was arrested and is currently being held. His detention hearing is scheduled for Jan. 12, 2021.
  4. Mark Leffingwell was charged on Jan. 7, 2021, with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; assault on a federal law enforcement officer; and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. Leffingwell allegedly entered the Senate side of the Capitol and when stopped by law enforcement, struck an officer in the helmet and chest. Leffingwell is currently being held and has a detention hearing scheduled in district court.
  5. Christopher Alberts, of Maryland, was charged on Jan. 7, 2021, with carrying or having readily accessible on the grounds of the United States Capitol Building, a firearm and ammunition, specifically a Taurus G2C, 9mm handgun and 9mm caliber ammunition. The defendant appeared in district court and was released. He has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Jan. 28, 2021.
  6. Joshua Pruitt was charged on Jan. 7, 2021, with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority. The defendant appeared in district court and was released. He has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Jan. 28, 2021.
  7. Matthew Council, of Florida, was charged on Jan. 7, 2021, with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. Council allegedly unlawfully entered the Capitol building, and when stopped by law enforcement, he pushed the officer.
  8. Cindy Fitchett, of Virginia, was charged on Jan. 7, 2021, with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; or knowingly, with intent to impede government business or official functions, engaging in disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds; and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. 
  9. Michael Curzio, of Florida, was charged on Jan. 7, 2021, with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; or knowingly, with intent to impede government business or official functions, engaging in disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds; and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. 
  10. Douglas Sweet, of Florida, was charged on Jan. 7, 2021, with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; or knowingly, with intent to impede government business or official functions, engaging in disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds; and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. 
  11. Bradley Ruskelas, of Illinois, was charged on Jan. 7, 2021, with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; or knowingly, with intent to impede government business or official functions, engaging in disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds; and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. 
  12. Terry Brown, of Pennsylvania, was charged on Jan. 7, 2021, with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; or knowingly, with intent to impede government business or official functions, engaging in disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds; and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. 
  13. Thomas Gallagher was charged on Jan. 7, 2021, with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; or knowingly, with intent to impede government business or official functions, engaging in disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds; and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. 
https://theamericanonews.com/floricua/newsletter/

Author

CATEGORIES: Florida | Law and Order

Politics

Local News

Related Stories