A member of the Wisconsin National Guard has been charged in connection to the deadly insurrection that took place at the U.S Capitol on Jan. 6.
According to the Department of Justice, Abram Markofski was arrested and charged with entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; violent entry or disorderly conduct; and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building.
Markofski traveled to Washington D.C. to attend Donald Trump’s protest against the certification of the 2020 Presidential Election results. After the rally ended, authorities say Markofski and Brandon Nelson walked to the U.S. Capitol and spent 40 minutes inside the building.
Nelson said officers guided people into the Capitol. Markofski told authorities that an officer inside said, “I can’t make you guys leave. However, for your safety, you should leave.” After exiting the building, the men drove back home to Wisconsin.
Major Joe Trovato, a spokesperson for the Wisconsin National Guard, said Markofski enlisted in the Army National Guard back in 2019 and is currently a private first class assigned to the 1st Battalion, 128 Infantry Regiment.
According to CNN, Markofski is one of almost 40 current or former service members who have been charged in connection to the deadly riot. The outlet also says that most of those who were arrested for the riots have ties to right-wing extremist groups, such as the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers.
Back in February, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin issued a military-wide “stand-down” to address extremism within the service. The Department’s definition of extremism is currently being reviewed and new screening procedures are being put in place.
Markofski has been released from jail pending his next virtual hearing, which is slated to take place on May 10. He has not entered a plea.