Who are the Capitol 13? Here are the individuals facing federal relating to crimes in Washington DC riots
The United States Department of Justice has released the names of 13 individuals who have been charged in federal court in the District of Columbia following the riots at the U.S Capitol in Washington D.C. According to the statement released on January 8, approximately 40 have been charged in the Superior Court for offenses including, but not limited to, unlawful entry, curfew violations, and firearms-related crimes.
In addition to the above charges and arrests, several more complaints have been submitted with the investigations being jointly carried out by the FBI; U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; United States Marshals Service; U.S. Capitol Police Department; and the Metropolitan Police Department. The cases are being prosecuted by the U.S Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Sherwin said in a statement, “The lawless destruction of the U.S. Capitol building was an attack against one of our Nation’s greatest institutions. My Office, along with our law enforcement partners at all levels, have been expeditiously working and leveraging every resource to identify, arrest, and begin prosecuting these individuals who took part in the brazen criminal acts at the U.S. Capitol.” He further stated that, “anyone who might be considering engaging in or inciting violence in the coming weeks” will be “prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Who are the Capitol 13?
Here are the names of the 13 individuals charged in federal court for crimes related to the Capitol riots according to the press release by the Justice Department.
Cleveland Meredith was charged on January 7, 2021, with making interstate threats to Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Richard Barnett, of Arkansas, was charged on January 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 Nancy Pelosi.
Lonnie Coffman, of Alabama, was charged on January 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 January 12, 2021.
Mark Leffingwell, was charged on January 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 in district court today.
Christopher Alberts, of Maryland, was charged on January 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 January 28, 2021.
Joshua Pruitt, was charged on January 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 January 28, 2021.
Matthew Council, of Florida, was charged on January 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.
Cindy Fitchett, of Virginia, was charged on January 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.
Michael Curzio, of Florida, was charged on January 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.
Douglas Sweet, of Florida, was charged on January 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.
Bradley Ruskelas, of Illinois, was charged on January 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.
Terry Brown, of Pennsylvania, was charged on January 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.
Thomas Gallagher was charged on January 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.
Meanwhile, ATF and FBI are urging the people to report any suspected use of “explosive devices, or violent, destructive acts in connection to the recent riots." The statement further reads, “The FBI is looking for individuals who may have incited or promoted violence of any kind.”