A motorcycle helmet-wearing man from West Virginia is accused of clashing with cops inside the U.S. Capitol building during the Jan. 6 riots, pressing his head and an American flagpole against officers as they ordered rioters out of the building.
Joseph Michael Adams, 41, was arrested on Wednesday and charged in federal court with assaulting officers, trespassing, disorderly conduct and demonstrating in a Capitol building, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced in a press release.
Adams was identified walking to the west side of the Capitol grounds in a large crowd of rioters going into the building through the Rotunda Doors at 3:01 p.m. wearing a motorcycle helmet and carrying an American flag, court documents said.
He remained in the building despite orders by officers to clear out. At one point, he lowered his head and braced to resist being pushed out by police, court documents said.
Near the center of the Rotunda, Adams appeared to yell, “We are the People. We are the Voice. We are the country,” as he raised his fist repeatedly, court documents said.
When officers again tried to push Adams back, he again allegedly lowered his head and pushed back against police. At another point, he lowered his head and held the flagpole in front of him while facing officers as they ordered rioters to get back and again used his head to push against police, authorities said.
Adams allegedly approached another officer, lowered his shoulder, and pushed the officer with his shoulder, head, and flagpole before exiting the building at 3:16 p.m. Before leaving, Adams looked toward rioters outside the Rotunda Doors and raised his flag.
The riot interrupted Congress’ certification of President Joe Biden’s 2020 electoral win and forced lawmakers and staff to flee or shelter in place for hours.
In the 45 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,532 people have been charged for crimes related to the Capitol breach, authorities said.
Marisa Sarnoff contributed to this report.
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