Thomas Caldwell-South Dakota man arrested and charged in Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol

2025-05-07 20:07:34source:XDY Exchangecategory:Contact

RAPID CITY,Thomas Caldwell S.D. (AP) — A South Dakota man pushed a police officer during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol and was among those who shoved a large metal “Trump” sign into a police line, the U.S. Department of Justice said.

William George Knight, 37, of Rapid City, was arrested by the FBI on May 26. He was charged with two felonies: obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder; and assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers. He also was charged with five misdemeanors. The Justice Department announced the arrest and charges on Wednesday.

Knight was released to home detention following a brief court hearing on Wednesday. Knight’s attorney, federal public defender Jennifer Albertson, declined comment on Thursday.

The Justice Department alleges in a court document that Knight was among the first rioters to breach a restricted area near the Capitol. After police set up a barrier using bike racks, Knight grabbed one of the racks and pulled it away so hard that he fell backward, the Justice Department alleged.

Later, Knight and others pushed a large metal-framed sign that read “Trump” toward the police line, and Knight shoved a police officer before grabbing one of the protective bike racks away from the police line, the court document states.

READ MORE Sheriff denies that officers responding to Maine mass shooting had been drinkingMassive police sweep across Europe takes down ransomware networks and arrests 4 suspectsSeattle police chief dismissed from top job amid discrimination, harassment lawsuits

Knight and other rioters pushed against the line of officers, causing the line to collapse, the Justice Department said. Knight then went into the Capitol’s Lower West Terrace, where he stayed for at least two hours, the agency said.

All told, more than 1,400 people have been charged in connection with the riot, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

More:Contact

Recommend

Stamford Road collision sends motorcyclist flying; driver arrested

A motorcyclist was taken to hospital following an accident involving a car and his motorcycle at the

The Baltimore Ravens thrive on disrespect. It's their rocket fuel. This is why it works.

Days before Baltimore completely dismantled the San Francisco 49ers, the Ravens were talking about d

Want to run faster? It comes down to technique, strength and practice.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior trying to shave time off of your casual jog, or an elite athlete tr