Federal prosecutors say he assaulted officers while wielding a flagpole.
Washington DC (KM) A Thurmont man has been charged for his actions during the breach of the US Capitol on January 6th, 2021. The US Attorney’s Office for Washington DC says Adam Ryan Obest, 43, is charged in a criminal complaint with obstructing, impeding or interfering with a law enforcement officer during a civil disturbance. He’s also charged with assaulting an officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon, and an act of physical violence on Capitol grounds.
Officials say it all took place on the US Capitol grounds while Congress was counting the electoral votes following the 2020 presidential election.
Federal prosecutors say at around 2:31 PM on January 6th, 2021, Obest was holding a flagpole when a Metropolitan Police Department Officer grabbed the end of it. He jerked it away from the officer, and placed the flagpole above his head. Obest brought it down into a line of officers, prosecutors say.
Officials also says Obest attempted to take an officer’s baton out of his hands before retreating into the crowd.
The U-S Attorney’s Office for DC says these actions were captured on video taken by a police body worn camera. .
In a news release, federal prosecutors say Obest indicated he and his wife attended the “Stop the Steal” rally in Washington DC, and were in the vicinity of the Capitol building on January 6th, 2021. Obest commented through Facebook on a video posted by Bill O’Reilly “Can’t wait to hear your analysis on the protests at the Capitol today. I was there and it was 96% peaceful.”
Since January 6th, 2021,. more than 1,000 individuals have been arrested for crimes related to the breach at the US Capitol., including nearly 350 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement officers, the US Attorney’s Office for DC says.
The investigation continues into this incident. Anyone who has information which could help is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-53234) or visit tips.fbi.gov.
By Kevin McManus