An organizer for the far-right extremist group Proud Boys was arrested in Florida on Wednesday for his alleged role in the attack on the Capitol earlier this month.
Joseph Randall Biggs, 37, was accused of obstructing an official process before Congress, disorderly conduct and entering a restricted building, according to an arrest statement. Biggs is a member of the Proud Boys and self-styled organizer of the group’s events.
Biggs began publicly encouraging members of the Proud Boys to attend the January 6 demonstration in Washington, DC, as early as December last year, according to the statement. Some of the communications were with Enrique Tarrio, the president of the Proud Boys, who was arrested on January 4 when he arrived in Washington.
The group has a long history of being encouraged by the rhetoric of former President Donald Trump. In a presidential debate in September, Trump told the Proud Boys to “stand back and wait” instead of condemning the growing wave of white supremacy.
So far, federal charges have been made public against more than 115 defendants. The FBI continued to search social media for tips and personal videos to find suspects across the country, where hundreds face federal and local charges.
Although Biggs left the Capitol without being arrested, he admitted to being present at the Capitol and entering the building in an interview with FBI agents on January 18, the statement said. However, Biggs denied either forcing his entry into the capitol or having any knowledge that others would break into the building. “Biggs informed the interviewing agent that the Capitol doors were open when he entered the building,” said the statement.
Jesus Rivera of Pensacola was also arrested on Wednesday. Rivera was accused of intentionally entering a restricted building, preventing government business, disorderly conduct and demonstrations on Capitol grounds.