Four individuals are facing federal charges for their roles in the Capitol Hill protest that turned violent on Wednesday, forcing federal offices to evacuate and shelter in place. One of the individuals was photographed in House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office.
As of Friday afternoon, the police have reportedly arrested over 80 individuals in connection with the incident in Washington, D.C., NBC Washington reported.
Law enforcement detained Richard Barnett in Little Rock, Ark. after a viral photo showed him sitting in Nancy Pelosi’s office chair. According to KFSM, Barnett said he was searching for the restroom when he noticed the speaker’s office door was open, Fox News reported.
“I sat down here in my desk. I’m a taxpayer. I’m a patriot. That ain’t her desk — we loaned her that desk,” Barnett reportedly said. “And she ain’t appreciating the desk, so I thought I would sit down and appreciate the desk.”
Barnett was charged with violent entry and theft of public property.
According to officials, Lonnie Coffman, 70, was charged after arrested with two handguns, a rifle, and 11 Molotov cocktails that had gasoline, as well as materials that appeared to be homemade napalm. He was identified among the protesters after police connected him to a pick-up truck with Alabama license plates.
Mark Leffingwell was charged after he knowingly entered restricted ground and assaulted an officer inside the Capitol.
The final confirmed protester facing federal charges was Christopher Michael Alberts, who is accused of illegally entering the Capitol with a loaded handgun. According to officials, Alberts also had an additional magazine filled with ammo.
Alberts allegedly told police that the gun was “for personal protection and he did not intend on using the firearm to harm anyone.”
On Thursday, the FBI posted on Twitter asking for information on the protesters who stormed the Capitol building.
“[FBI] is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying those who made unlawful entry into U.S. Capitol Building on Jan. 6,” the post stated. “If you witnessed unlawful violent actions, contact the FBI.”
“Do you see anyone you recognize?” the FBI asked in a second Twitter post that included over three dozen photos of suspects. “The FBI is still seeking information to help identify individuals who actively instigated violence on January 6 in Washington, D.C.
