- An AP officer was accused by federal authorities for his alleged involvement in the Capitol rebellion.
- Joseph Fischer reportedly posted a video of him running to the Capitol.
- Fischer, who was suspended without payment, reportedly said he told his boss he did not regret it.
- Visit the Insider Business section for more stories.
A Pennsylvania police officer was arrested and charged with his alleged involvement in the Capitol riot after posting a video of himself attacking a line of police on Facebook, a criminal complaint said.
The United States District Court in the District of Colombia accused Joseph Fischer, a North Cornwall Township Police Department patrolman, of obstructing law enforcement during civil unrest, intentionally entering or staying in any restricted building or land without legal authority, entry violent and disorderly conduct on Capitol Hill and obstruction of Justice / Congress.
Trump supporters stormed the United States Capitol and clashed with security forces on January 6. The riot resulted in the deaths of five people, including a police officer.
The day after the attack, Fischer reportedly posted a video to a Facebook account named ‘SV Spindrift’ that showed him entering the Capitol. Authorities requested information about the Facebook account and were able to determine that it belonged to Fischer, the complaint said.
In the video of less than three minutes, he allegedly shouted “Charge”, as well as “Hold the Line” and “Motherfers”. The complaint also said that he had a “physical encounter” with at least one police officer.
In a comment the same day, Fischer also allegedly wrote: “there was a little destruction and some things were stolen … but 98% peaceful … I was there … we pushed the police about 25 feet. And OC sprayed, but entry into the capital was necessary to send a message that we, the people, have real power. “
In an exchange of messages with another user, Fischer also reportedly said that “word got out” that he was at the rally and that he “might need a job”, adding that his boss had spoken to him.
The North Cornwall Township Police Department did not respond to the Insider’s request at the time of publication, but in a statement to WGAL said: “no county employee was aware of this individual’s actions prior to his arrest.”
Fischer allegedly said he said to his boss, “if that is the price I have to pay to express my freedom and freedoms that I was born with and therefore I was withdrawn, then it must be the price …”, according to the criminal complaint.
He is currently suspended without pay, reported WGAL. The criminal complaint also alleges that Fischer said to the chief: “I don’t regret it and I give zero s – ts.”
“Neither Township nor any officer or employee endorses, accepts or tolerates any alleged involvement in a crime against the United States of America, nor any act committed by an individual who may have unlawfully violated the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021 , “the department told WGAL.
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