Two off-duty police officers who allegedly participated in the attack on the United States Capitol last week and took selfies during the riot now face federal charges, prosecutors announced on Wednesday.
Jacob Fracker and Thomas Robertson are facing an accusation of intentional entry and stay in a restricted building, as well as an accusation of violent entry and disorderly conduct in the capital’s lands. They were charged on Tuesday in a federal court and arrested on Wednesday.
The two police officers from Rocky Mount, Virginia – who traveled more than 200 miles to attend last week’s events in DC – are among dozens of people who have been indicted by federal prosecutors. The crowd of violent Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in an attempted coup that left five people dead.
After the attack on the Capitol, the two policemen posted photos of themselves inside the building on social media – and sent copies to their colleagues at the police station, according to a sworn statement.
In a statement, the Rocky Mount Police Department said the officers were placed on administrative leave and that the case was under review.
In a social media post, Robertson himself described the violation of the Capitol as an attack.
“CNN and the left are crazy because we really attacked the government, which is the problem, and not just any small company,” he posted on social media, according to court records. “The right ONE DAY got the fucking US Capitol. Keep poking us.”
On Facebook and Instagram, Robertson added that he was proud to be “willing to play the game.” According to the statement, he claimed that he had received permission from the Capitol Police to enter the building.
Although the selfie seemed to show them in the middle of a crime, Fracker dismissed the concerns about it apparently raised by his Facebook friends.
“Lol to anyone who’s possibly worried about my picture hanging around,” wrote Fracker. “Sorry, do I hate freedom? Sorry, I fought hard for it and lost friends over it. Not like I did something illegal, a lot to lose to go there, but you guys do what you think you need lol.”