Despite the fact that the historic incident at the US Capitol occurred in January, it is still being discussed nine months later. Today, as fresh evidence continues to emerge, word came of an arrest involving one of the officers involved. According to CNN, a police officer has been indicted for the first time in the U.S. Capitol insurgency on January 6th. Officer Michael A. Riley faces obstruction charges, according to the indictment, after he reportedly sought to cover up a post he made online in an attempt to help an unknown rioter. According to reports, Micheal directed an unknown individual to remove signs indicating their presence in the Capitol that day.
Prosecutors claim Michael sent a private message over Facebook to the person who uploaded photographs and videos about being in the Capitol during the violence the day after the insurgency. According to reports, Michael was friends with the individual in fishing-related Facebook groups. “I’m a capital police officer who agrees with your political views,” the message read. Remove the reference to being in the building under investigation, and everyone who was in the building will face charges. “I’m just looking around!” Furthermore, Michael allegedly continued messaging the guy, claiming he was delighted they made it out of the building alive and that over 50 officers had been injured, some seriously.
He wasn’t quite done yet. Due to dozens of people getting detained, Michael told the person to “Get off of social media” in mid-January. He even laid down prospective felony charges for acts of violence or property destruction. He apparently went even farther, telling the person to call “capitol police” and expect trespassing charges. The 50-year-old was placed on administrative leave after being detained today and appearing in court via video stream from a detention cell. Michael has not yet entered a plea and is not being held in custody pending his trial. However, while awaiting trial, he will be prohibited from possessing any firearms. He will be arraigned soon.
