Richard Barnett of Arkansas was charged with knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful entry; violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds; and theft of public money, property, or records. Barnett entered a restricted area of the Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi: Facebook

By Glynn Wilson –

Thirteen rioters have been charged so far with crimes committed at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday after a rally and march led by outgoing President Donald J. Trump turned into an insurrection that led to violence and death like nothing ever seen on American soil.

In addition to those who have been charged, additional complaints have been submitted and investigations are ongoing, according to a statement by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

“The lawless destruction of the U.S. Capitol building was an attack against one of our nation’s greatest institutions,” said Michael Sherwin, the acting U.S. attorney in Washington, D.C.

“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 said. “We are resolute in our commitment to holding accountable anyone responsible for these disgraceful criminal acts, and to anyone who might be considering engaging in or inciting violence in the coming weeks.”

“Know this,” he added. “You will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Among those charged was Richard Barnett of Arkansas, whose picture sitting at the desk of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is now all over the internet, along with Lonnie Coffman of Alabama, who was arrested with 11 Molotov cocktails ready to detonate.

Richard Barnett of Arkansas was charged with knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful entry; violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds; and theft of public money, property, or records. Barnett entered a restricted area of the Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi: Facebook

“Today’s charges are just the beginning of the FBI’s ongoing efforts to hold those responsible for the criminal acts of violence and destruction that unfolded during the U.S. Capitol building breach on January 6th,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “To be clear, what took place that day was not First Amendment-protected activity, but rather an affront on our democracy.

“The FBI, along with our local, state and federal partners, is committed to ensuring that justice is served,” he said. “We will continue to aggressively investigate each and every individual who chose to ignore the law and instead incite violence, destroy property and injure others.”

In addition to the F.B.I., the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is involved in the investigation, along with the U.S. Marshals Service and the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department.

“ATF is committed to the rule of law and the protection of all citizens’ Constitutional rights,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Deputy Director Regina Lombardo. “We continue to support our law enforcement partners to ensure those who violated the law during the events at the Capitol this week are brought to justice.”

He said the ATF has dedicated “all appropriate resources” to complete these investigations as soon as possible.

“Deputy U.S. Marshals responded to support U.S. Capitol Police after the incursion into the Capitol building. Our deputies helped to clear the building and escorted members of Congress back to the main chamber for official business,” said U.S. Marshals Service Director Donald Washington. “U.S. Marshals will now bring to bear our fugitive investigations expertise to ensure that individuals charged in federal warrants are brought to face justice. Respect for the rule of law is a foundational principle for our democracy and the freedoms that it provides. Unlawful acts will not go unpunished.”

Metropolitan Police Chief of Police Robert J. Contee III echoed those concerns.

“The events that happened at and around the United States Capitol were unconscionable, and those responsible will be held accountable for their attempts to thwart Democracy,” Contee said in the statement. “While these charges represent a positive step, there is still work to be done. Our collective intentions are to work diligently to identify all of the persons responsible for the insurrection at our U.S. Capitol.”

Thirteen individuals were charged on Jan. 7 with federal crimes so far.

Richard Barnett of Arkansas was charged 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 entered a restricted are of the Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

Cleveland Meredith was also charged with making interstate threats to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Lonnie Coffman, of Alabama, was charged 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 without bail. His detention hearing is scheduled for Jan. 12.

Mark Leffingwell was charged with knowingly entering or remaining in a 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 without bail and has a detention hearing in district court.

Christopher Alberts of Maryland was charged 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 Jan. 28.

Joshua Pruitt was charged with knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority. The defendant appeared in district court and was released. He has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Jan. 28.

Matthew Council of Florida was charged with knowingly entering or remaining in a 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 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 with knowingly entering or remaining in a 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 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 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 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 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.

In addition, approximately 40 individuals have been arrested and charged in Superior Court with offenses including, but not limited to, unlawful entry, curfew violations and firearms-related crimes.

The cases are being prosecuted by the U.S Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and are being investigated jointly 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 ATF and FBI continue to urge the public to report suspected use of explosive devices, or violent, destructive acts associated with the recent unrest. Anyone with information can call 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email ATFTips@atf.gov or submit information anonymously via ReportIt.com.

The FBI is looking for individuals who may have incited or promoted violence of any kind. Anyone with digital material or tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or submit images or videos at fbi.gov/USCapitol.