Veteran accused of attacking Capitol Hill worked in navy unit

Veteran accused of attacking Capitol Hill worked in navy unit

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Military records obtained by CNN show that John Andries served in the Marine Corps from 2004 to 2009 and was assigned to Helicopter Squadron One, the unit responsible for transporting the president, also known as the HMX-1. Andries was not a pilot, but his records indicate that he was chief of the helicopter crew.

It is not immediately clear to CNN whether he has had any direct contact with former President George W. Bush or former President Barack Obama while serving in the helicopter unit, which requires greater security surveillance for members. Andries’ role with the presidential team was first reported by The Washington Post.

Prosecutors say Andries, 35, broke through unprotected barriers outside the Capitol and entered the building through a broken window. Video footage shows him facing the police inside the Crypt, in the basement of the complex, staying “inches” from the police, but not physically involved with them, prosecutors said.

The FBI received at least two tips from the public about Andries’ alleged role in the attack. FBI agents guarded his home in January and saw him wearing the same jacket he used to go to the Capitol, according to court documents.

He pleaded not guilty to five federal crimes: entering a restricted building, disorderly conduct, violent entry to the Capitol, being prevented from passing through the Capitol and illegal demonstration on the Capitol.

The Justice Department did not ask for his arrest and a federal judge released him shortly after his arrest last month. He is not charged with any violent crime and the five charges against him are misdemeanors.

Andries’ lawyer did not respond to CNN’s request for comment on Thursday morning.

Veterans are disproportionately represented among the nearly 300 people facing charges related to the attack on the Capitol. At least 29 current and former soldiers have been charged so far, and several are reportedly part of extremist groups, according to a CNN analysis of Pentagon records and court documents.

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