MARTINSBURG, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A West Virginia man has been arrested on multiple charges related to his alleged participation in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Joseph Michael Adams, 41, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, faces charges including assaulting law enforcement officers, resisting police efforts, and disorderly conduct, among other offenses.
His alleged actions were part of the larger effort to disrupt the joint session of Congress convened to certify the 2020 presidential election results.
According to court documents, Adams was part of a crowd that moved toward the Capitol’s Northwest Lawn, later approaching the Rotunda Doors before entering the Capitol around 3:01 p.m.
Wearing a motorcycle helmet and carrying a flag, Adams allegedly resisted repeated police attempts to clear the area and engaged in physical confrontations with law enforcement.
Video footage reportedly shows Adams ignoring police commands and using his head, shoulder, and flagpole to push against officers. He left the building around 3:16 p.m.
The FBI arrested Adams in Martinsburg, West Virginia, and he made his initial court appearance in the Northern District of West Virginia.
This case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Justice Department’s Counterterrorism Section, with assistance from the FBI and local law enforcement agencies.
Since January 6, 2021, over 1,500 people nationwide have been charged in connection to the Capitol breach, with over 570 facing charges for assaulting or obstructing law enforcement.
The FBI continues to investigate the events of Jan. 6 and is asking anyone with additional information to call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.
