Category: U.S. Capitol

Navy Veteran, 66, Lives an ‘American Horror Story’ Since His Arrest on Jan. 6 Seditious-Conspiracy Charge

“Abba, Father! Please don’t let them murder my wife!” After more than two decades in the U.S. Navy and assignments around the world, Thomas E. Caldwell thought he knew the meaning of horror. That all changed in the predawn hours of Jan. 19, 2021. Minutes after being jostled awake, Caldwell found himself outside in the…


Pennsylvania Duo Arrested for Alleged Jan. 6-Related Crimes at US Capitol

A Pennsylvania duo who walked around the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, have been arrested by the FBI and charged with being part of the Capitol incursion. Melanie M. Archer, 41, of Shaler, Pennsylvania, was arrested Monday on charges of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly and disruptive conduct in…


Jan. 6 Suicide Victim Was Told ‘He Would Not Receive a Fair Trial in This Town’

The 14-month ordeal battling charges from his time at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 put so much stress on Matthew L. Perna, he began throwing up blood. When the U.S. Department of Justice asked to delay his sentencing and announced it would seek more prison time, it was a bridge too far. Perna took…


Judge Relents, Allows Jan. 6 Defendant to Plead Guilty

A federal judge on March 17 allowed a Jan. 6 defendant to plead guilty to a single charge after initially resisting the move during a recent hearing. U.S. District Judge Randy Moss, an Obama appointee, repeatedly asked Lucas Denney, if he was aware of his rights and if he wanted to proceed with pleading guilty…


Wisconsin Man Charged For Allegedly Attacking Police Officers at US Capitol on Jan. 6

A Wisconsin man arrested for allegedly attacking police at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and telling a friend there is “definitely something satisfying about pepper-spraying cops in riot gear and watching them run” faces six criminal charges in federal court. Riley Douglas Kasper, 23, of Pulaski, was charged in a criminal complaint in…


Federal Judge Dismisses Felony Obstruction Charge in Second Jan. 6 Case in Eight Days

For the second time in eight days, U.S. District Judge Carl J. Nichols has dismissed a felony obstruction charge alleging a Jan. 6 defendant tried to prevent the certification of Electoral College votes in the 2020 presidential race. Nichols ruled in the case of USA v. Joseph W. Fischer that the statute used by prosecutors—18…


Federal Judge Dismisses Felony Obstruction Charge in Second Jan. 6 Case in 8 Days

For the second time in eight days, U.S. District Judge Carl J. Nichols has dismissed a felony obstruction charge alleging that a Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol breach defendant tried to prevent the certification of Electoral College votes in the 2020 presidential race. Nichols ruled in the case of United States v. Joseph W. Fischer…


Arizona Man Charged with Assault of Metropolitan Police Officers at US Capitol on Jan. 6

Federal prosecutors have charged a 50-year-old Arizona man with assaulting several police officers on the U.S. Capitol lawn on Jan. 6, 2021. Jacob L. Zerkle of Bowie, Ariz., was arrested Tuesday in Tucson on seven federal counts, including charges of assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers; civil disorder; engaging in physical violence in a restricted building…


Arizona Man Arrested for Jan. 6 Assault on DC Police Officers at US Capitol

Federal prosecutors have charged a 50-year-old Arizona man with assaulting several police officers on the U.S. Capitol lawn during the breach of the building on Jan. 6, 2021. Jacob L. Zerkle of Bowie was arrested March 15 in Tucson, Arizona, on seven federal counts, including charges of assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers; civil disorder; engaging…


Man Who Helped Breach the East Rotunda Entrance to the Capitol Gets 90 Days’ Jail, 2 Years’ Probation

A Colorado man who pushed aside barricades and helped protesters enter the U.S. Capitol Rotunda through the historic Columbus Doors on Jan. 6, 2021, was sentenced in federal court Tuesday to 90 days in jail and two years of probation. Jeffrey Alexander Smith, also known as Alex Smith, 34, longtime resident of San Diego County…