First alleged Jan. 6 rioter to enter Capitol tunnel apprehended by FBI, over two years later
The first person to allegedly enter the Capitol Building’s southwest terrace tunnel on Jan. 6, 2021, has been arrested by the FBI — over two years after the riot, the Justice Department announced Wednesday.
Brett Rotella of North Carolina became infamous among post-Jan. 6 internet sleuths because of his identifiable outfit — a red skull cap, a dark vest over a red sleeveless shirt and light-colored shorts. He has been accused of leading a large group of rioters towards the tunnel and charging Capitol Police, while turning his back to deflect rubber bullets from the officers.
He faces felony obstruction and assaulting a police officer charges, among other misdemeanors.
Rotella “led the charge” to enter the tunnel, which later was site to some of the most brutal melees during the riots, the Justice Department said.
After police retreated, rioters broke through glass panes in the tunnel’s doors and then began concerted pushes against police lines, partially led by Rotella, investigators claim.
The FBI was tipped off about Rotella's identity via online reports and confirmed his identity late last month when an FBI agent followed him to an Aldi grocery store.
Over 1,100 people have been arrested on charges related to the Jan. 6 riots across all 50 states, including over 350 for assaulting police officers, the Justice Department said.