Who is Kevin Seefried? FBI arrests Delaware man who carried Confederate flag inside Capitol during riot
As part of the FBI’s nationwide manhunt to identify the rioters at the US Capitol on January 6, Delaware man Kevin Seefried, who was spotted carrying a Confederate flag inside the Capitol, was arrested on January 14. In a viral photo from the Capitol siege, 51-year-old Seefried was seen carrying the controversial Confederate flag while creating a ruckus inside the Capitol along with his son Hunter.
Both the father and son have been arrested on charges of knowingly entering a restricted building without lawful authority, disorderly conduct and violent entry. The son was also charged with destruction of government property as he was caught on video breaking a glass window inside the Capitol building.
During his interrogation with the FBI, Kevin admitted that he displays the same flag outside his home in Laurel, Delaware. On the day of the Capitol attack, he carried the flag all the way to Washington, DC, proudly asserting his allegiance to the controversial banner, which, in fact, is banned in multiple states.
Why were Kevin and Hunter Seefried arrested?
On January 6, the Seefried family, who are staunch Trump supporters, traveled to Washington DC to attend the now-infamous rally by President Donald Trump. Later, as a huge crowd marched towards the Capitol, Kevin and his son Hunter joined in. Court documents report that they were a part of a crowd led by a person with a bullhorn, which matches with the description of the infamous rioter Jake Angeli.
Around 2.13 pm, the father-son duo barged into the Capitol through the window broken by Hunter. They were later spotted in a group where they verbally harassed several police officers deployed at the grounds. After having their fair share of chaos and mayhem inside the Capitol, the Seefrieds left around 2.36 pm. During their antics at the Capitol, Hunter apparently clicked selfies as well, video footage reveals.
How did the FBI catch Seefried?
The FBI had Kevin Seefried on their wanted list, and his photo, along with many of his fellow rioters, was posted across social media platforms seeking information. The duo was caught based on a tip-off by Hunter’s co-worker. The tipper shared with authorities that Hunter boasted about participating in the Capitol riots with his father.
The #FBI and our partners are seeking information to help us pursue individuals who instigated violence on January 6 in Washington, D.C. Look at the photos we've added at https://t.co/MMTOKcDiy7, and if you see someone you recognize, submit a tip at https://t.co/buMd8vYXzH.
— FBI (@FBI) January 11, 2021
Later, during the hearing, Hunter’s attorney revealed that he had recently lost his job. Depending on the convictions, the Seefrieds can face up to $250,000 penalty and more than 10 years of prison time.
Neighbor says Seefrieds are 'good people'
Kevin Seefried and his family reside in Laurel town, southern Sussex in Delaware. Their house can be seen standing next to a dilapidated chicken coop. Following their arrest, the Confederate flag was taken down from his home premises. On Thursday, local reporters were turned away from outside the Seefried home as family member informed that there were children inside. An anonymous neighbor of the family told Delaware Online that he thought the Seefrieds were "good people".
Post their arrest on January 14, the Seefrieds attended the US District Court in Wilmington, Delaware. They were sent to home detention and prohibited from traveling to Washington DC under any circumstances, barring court-related matters. The arrested duo is expected to appear in federal court in Washington DC on January 25.
FBI has released a notification seeking tips that states: "Anyone with information regarding these individuals, or anyone who witnessed any unlawful violent actions at the Capitol or near the area, is asked to contact the FBI's Toll-Free Tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) to verbally report tips. You may also submit any information, photos, or videos that could be relevant online at fbi.gov/USCapitol. You may also contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate."