Who is Robert Scott Palmer? Star-Spangled Trumper filmed assaulting Capitol police with fire extinguisher ID’d
There were many alarming images to come from the January 6 insurrection, just one among them showed a rioter attacking Capitol Police with a fire extinguisher. He sprayed officers with the canister, before throwing it at them. The man has now been positively identified as Robert Palmer, a 53-year-old resident of Clearwater, Florida. Video and photos from the day clearly capture Palmer attacking police with the extinguisher, just one of the many violent acts from the day.
Palmer later identified himself in a Facebook live stream. He was seen in the same star-spangled jacket and 'Florida for Trump' hat in a video taken after police managed to clear the Capitol.
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Palmer's identity was verified by Huffington Post, thanks to a tip from Amy, a woman who spends her free time helping track down everyone involved in the insurrection. Palmer was also identified by the FBI, though not by name.
Who is Robert Palmer?
Robert Scott Palmer is a 53-year-old who runs Son Bright Systems, a cleaning and restoration business in the town of Clearwater, Florida. He has an existing criminal record, as verified by Huffington Post, that includes battery and felony fraud.
Palmer is also a fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was interviewed in an article by WUSF about their Superbowl win. Like many others, Palmer ignored social distancing protocols as he took to the street to celebrate the win outside Raymond James Stadium. Not much else is known about Palmer, as it appears his Facebook page has been taken down. His LinkedIn profile simply lists him as the owner of Son Bright Systems since 2000. His LinkedIn profile also says he studied in Manchester, New Hampshire.
According to Huffington Post, "It’s (his Facebook profile) littered with posts spreading false information about Biden’s election, denigrating the Black Lives Matter movement and downplaying the need for COVID-19 safety protocols. A video Palmer uploaded in December appears to show him cheering on a parade of Proud Boys marching down the street in D.C."
Palmer's role in the insurrection
In his highly distinctive attire, Palmer is seen walking up the steps of the Capitol spraying the extinguisher at police. Once the canister is empty, he throws it at the police. It is not clear from the footage if Palmer injured anyone with his actions. It is not clear what happens next. The only other shot we see of Palmer is in the Facebook live stream by CJTV media.
Are we tracking this guy in the flag hoodie throwing a fire extinguisher at the police? Also #ginabisignano and #swedishscarf in the end. #seditionhunters #CapitolFireExtinguisher @capitolhunters @johnkriby1 Clip taken from 5.01 in YT video by Norman Koch https://t.co/W0o0SrAL1i pic.twitter.com/oQk3cLtyko
— Captain Columbo (@ColumboCaptain) February 19, 2021
The video of the stream is available on YouTube. In it, Palmer is first seen showing injuries to the camera that night, when protesters are arguing with riot police. "He shot me with rubber bullets just for yelling at 'em," he tells the reporter. He then spends a few minutes talking about keeping Trump in office before identifying himself. Though Amy sent the tip to the FBI, it took about a month for Palmer to be listed on the bureau's Capitol violence page. He is now listed as #246 - AFO.
Palmer confirmed his identity and role in the insurrection when contacted by Huffington Post. When asked about the fire extinguisher, he cut the call. There are now public calls on social media for Palmer's arrest. A few users have also taken to spamming's Son Bright Systems' Facebook Page asking Palmer to turn himself in.