An image of Packer inside the Capitol, whose sweatshirt bore the name of the Nazi concentration camp where about 1.1 million people were killed during World War II, evoked shock and disbelief on social media. The hem of his shirt said: “Work brings freedom”, which is the approximate translation of the phrase “Arbeit macht frei” that was at the gates of the concentration camp.
Packer did not respond to CNN’s requests for comment.
A resident of Virginia, who spoke to CNN on condition of anonymity because of the delicacy of the matter, described Packer as a longtime extremist who had problems with the law.
“He was always extreme and very vocal about his beliefs,” said the resident.
Another source familiar with Packer described him as an “eccentric” character who expressed frustration with the government, although that source does not remember Packer talking about President Donald Trump or false allegations of electoral fraud.
A third source said that Packer previously worked as a welder and pipe fitter.
Virginia court records show that Packer has a criminal record that includes three convictions for drunk driving and one conviction for falsifying public records. In 2016, he was charged with trespassing, although the case was dismissed.