Since Trump supporters breached Capitol Hill, FBI and law enforcement have been conducting thorough investigations to identify the rioters. Their analyses have resulted in multiple arrests, including that of a man with a clear police shield.
As the Associated Press reported, Dominic Pezzola was arrested on Friday (Jan. 15) for breaking a window at the U.S. Capitol and forcibly making his way into the government building. He was identified with help from two witnesses who spotted him shattering the glass in one video and smoking a cigar in another. He was also reportedly recognized as he attended a pro-Trump rally back in December.
According to one of the bystanders, Pezzola — who describes himself as a Proud Boy in his online biography — was among a mob who said they would kill “anyone they got their hands on,” including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Mike Pence.
The man with the shield was charged with destruction of government property, obstruction of an official proceeding and illegally entering a restricted building. He’s currently being held without bail.
Pezzola is not the only self-described Proud Boy to be arrested for his alleged involvement in the Capitol insurrection. Earlier this week, Queens resident Edward Florea was arrested and detained as a convicted felon in possession of ammunition. Authories say his social media post about wanting to arm people to travel to DC led them to believe he was planning a second attack on the government building.
The Proud Boys’ arrests come amid an ongoing search to locate pro-Trump rioters who participated in the Capitol siege on Jan. 6. As officials continue to analyze social media posts and other data, security measures have been taken to ensure the safety of DC residents ahead of Joe Biden’s upcoming inauguration. National Guards have been deployed, and Mayor Muriel Bowser has asked Americans not to travel to the city.