A self-proclaimed white supremacist from Maryland has been arrested after his GPS monitor placed him at the U.S. Capitol during the deadly riots.
According to CBS Baltimore, Bryan Betancur is facing multiple charges, including disorderly conduct and unlawful activities on Capitol grounds. He was taken into custody on Sunday (Jan. 17) in his home state. FBI Special Agent Alexis Brown says Betancur admitted to authorities that he is a white supremacist and part of several white supremacist organizations. He reportedly voiced “homicidal ideations, made comments about conducting a school shooting and has researched mass shootings.”
His GPS monitor — which he wears as part of his parole stipulation due to a previous fourth-degree burglary conviction — placed him at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. The ankle monitor placed him in the proximity of the government building between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Betancur was granted permission from his parole officer to travel to Washington D.C. to pass out bibles with a company called Gideon International. He had previously traveled with the organization to the nation’s capital. He violated his probation by engaging in “racially motivated violent extremist groups.”
Authorities also found an Instagram account that was believed to belong to Betancur. He posted images of himself in D.C., while wearing a T-shirt representing the Proud Boys on the account named @bryan_patriot_1776.
He was also seen in a photo flashing the “OK” hand symbol, which is widely used among white supremacy groups.
“Based on my training and experience, and my knowledge of the facts uncovered in this investigation to date, I believe that at no time on or before January 6, 2021, was Bryan Betancur granted permission or authorized by rule to enter restricted grounds around the Capitol, nor did he, at any time, have authorization to assemble, display flags, or parade on the Grounds or in the Capitol Building,” Brown said.