The rioter who was seen carrying the Confederate flag through the U.S. Capitol last week has been arrested.
According to NBC News, Kevin Seefried and his son Hunter Seefried surrendered to the U.S. Marshal’s office on Thursday (Jan. 14) for their role in the riots that took place at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. Photos of Kevin carrying a large Confederate flag through the Capitol circulated on social media. The FBI asked the public for help identifying the man. Reportedly, the bureau received a tip after Hunter “bragged” about being at the Capitol with his father during the riots.
Kevin admitted to authorities that he brought the flag from his home in Delaware, where it was typically displayed outside. Hunter was reportedly caught on video breaking a window to gain access into the Capitol building. “Kevin Seefried confirmed to law enforcement agents that Hunter Seefried was asked by an individual unknown to the Seefrieds to assist with clearing the window because Hunter Seefried was wearing gloves,” according to court documents.
Both men face one count each of violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds, knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority and depredation of government property.
The Seefrieds are set to make a virtual appearance in front of a federal judge on Thursday (Jan. 14) or Friday (Jan. 15).
Lawmakers were alarmed to see images of the Confederate flag aside the Capitol due to its affiliation with slavery, secession and civil war. Sen. Cory Booker, who is one of three Black senators in Congress, compared the rioters to the Confederacy. “Our democracy is wounded, and I saw it when I saw pictures of yet another insurgency of a flag of another group that tried to challenge our nation,” he said. “I saw the flag of the Confederacy there. What will we do? How will we confront this shame? How will we confront this dark second time in American history?”