Who is Ryan Nichols? Former guest on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' arrested for alleged role in Capitol riots
In the aftermath of the failed insurrection attempt at the US Capitol building on January 6th, the FBI continues to make arrests of the people who were involved in the riots which saw a death toll of five people, including a Capitol police officer. Among those recently arrested is a former Marine who once appeared on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' and was gifted a trip to Hawaii by the eponymous host.
Who is Ryan Nichols?
The 30-year-old Ryan Nichols hails from Longview, Texas, and first went viral when he appeared on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' in 2018 when a video showing him rescuing six dogs left behind by their owners emerged.
At the time, NBC News spoke to Nichols, who said that his home and his business was flooded during Hurricane Harvey in 2017, but he and a friend helped the people in his community to safety, saying, "That’s when I decided, when we see a hurricane, we’re going to help."
Nichols then appeared on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' and said that he was not able to have a honeymoon because of Hurricane Harvey. The host surprised Nichols with a $25,000 donation to the Humane Society in his name and gifted a trip for him and his wife to Hawaii.
Neither the producers of the show nor DeGeneres have made a statement with regards to Nichols' arrest, however, the video of his appearance has been taken down from both the official site as well as its Facebook page.
What did Ryan Nichols do at the Capitol?
According to reports, Nichols, who was arrested on January 18, has been charged with conspiracy and unlawful entry with a dangerous weapon, violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds, aiding and abetting, civil disorder and assault on a federal officer using a deadly or dangerous weapon.
Nichols had traveled to the Capitol with 32-year-old Alex Kirk Harkrider where they posted several updates on social media during their time at the Capitol on January 6. According to NBC News, in one post, Nichols wrote, "Patriots stood their ground today! We aren't done yet, either! You want to steal our election, and not hear us in court? Good! Now you'll hear our civil unrest!"
Videos and photos from the day also show Nichols and Harkrider during the riots. In one video, Nichols is seen holding a bullhorn and a crowbar on the ledge of a broken window at the Capitol. “If you have a weapon, you need to get your weapon!” Nichols can be heard yelling into the bullhorn, according to NBC News. “This is the second revolution right here folks! This is not a peaceful protest," he yells.
The publication also noted that Harkrider posted on Snapchat, "We’re in. 2 people killed already. We need all the patriots of this country to rally the f**k up and fight for our freedom or it’s gone forever. Give us liberty, or give us death. We won't stand for it.”
According to reports citing the criminal complaint filed against Nichols, the former Marine had previously posted on his Facebook page, "By Bullet or Ballot, Restoration of the Republic is Coming." He had also posted on December 28, 2020, “Pence better do the right thing, or we're going to MAKE you do the right thing."