Louisville man arrested by FBI for role in U.S. Capitol riot
Published 4:56 am Sunday, January 17, 2021
A Louisville man was arrested Saturday by the FBI and charged with unlawful entry of a restricted building and disorderly conduct on U.S. Capitol grounds in relation to the Jan. 6 riot in Washington, D.C.
Damon Beckley was arrested in Cub Run, Kentucky according to a tweet from FBI Louisville. The tweet says Beckley remains in custody and will appear in federal court Tuesday, Jan. 19.
Today, FBILouisville arrested DAMON MICHAEL BECKLEY for unlawful entry of a restricted building and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds in Cub Run, KY. BECKLEY remains in federal custody and will have his initial appearance in federal court on Tuesday, January 19, 2021. pic.twitter.com/vEPNwj62p8
— FBI Louisville (@FBILouisville) January 17, 2021
Beckley had identified himself in a video interview outside the Capitol during the riot. In the video, Beckly wears a Trump cap and discusses his displeasure with Vice President Mike Pence and his actions. Another video show’s Beckley inside the Capitol with other Trump supporters.
Beckley had told WDRB News he deleted his Facebook account and removed the SIM card from his phone out of fear the FBI could soon arrest and charge him.
WDRB News reported that Beckley expressed regret for the events of Jan. 6 and said he meant retribution should happen at the ballot box. Beckley said he went inside the Capitol to check on a friend, didn’t hit anyone or tear anything up and helped others get out.