The self-styled “Sergeant of Arms” of the Seattle chapter of the extreme right-wing Proud Boys will remain in custody for his alleged role in the United States Capitol riot.
Ethan Nordean, 30, was arrested on February 3 on four charges related to the January 6 siege, including violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. The bodybuilder and prominent Proud Boy on Monday appeared via video before a federal judge in Seattle, where his pre-trial release was initially ordered, the Seattle Times reported.
But magistrate Brian Tsuchida’s decision was reversed in the appeal a few hours later by American district judge Beryl Howell in Washington, blocking the release of the man also known as “Rufio Panman” among right-wing extremists.
In addition to preventing Nordean’s release, Howell ordered that he be transported immediately to Washington, DC, the newspaper reported.
Nordean is accused of being part of a group that entered the Capitol after protesters, including alleged members of the Proud Boys, “forced entry” into the building by destroying federal property, a criminal complaint shows.
Photos and videos of the violent uprising that left five dead show Nordean “near the front of the crowd of protesters”, outnumbering the Capitol police, according to the 21-page complaint.
Nordean’s nickname is a reference to a character in the 1991 Peter Pan fantasy film, “Hook,” according to the Seattle Times.
He faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted of the four charges he faces. Meanwhile, his public defender characterized prosecutors’ claims that Nordean was a potential flight hazard as “far-fetched”, saying he actually surrendered to face federal charges.
“He was not at home when the agents arrived to arrest him,” said federal public defender Corey Endo during the detention hearing on Monday. “His wife called him and said they were there to arrest him and he came home. These are not the actions of someone who wants to escape. “