A computer programmer who founded a social media site for supporters of President Donald Trump and an Alabama man who posted online “Load your guns and go out into the streets!” were among the four who died when a mob invaded the United States Capitol.
Another victim was Ashli Babbitt, 35, who was fatally shot by the Capitol Police during Wednesday’s raid by protesters who demanded that Congress reject the results of the presidential election. An ardent supporter of Trump, Babbitt followed and promoted many well-known radical conservative activists and conspiracy theories.
The others, Kevin Greeson, 55, of Athens, Alabama; Benjamin Philips, 50, from Ringtown, Pennsylvania; and Rosanne Boyland, 34, of Kennesaw, Georgias – died of medical emergencies, Washington, DC, police said on Thursday.
Greeson had a history of high blood pressure and suffered a heart attack, his family said, and left his wife, Kristi, and children.
“Kevin was an advocate for President Trump and attended the event on January 6, 2020 to show his support,” the family said in a statement. “He was not there to participate in violence or turmoil, nor did he tolerate such actions.”
Greeson appeared to be active on Parler, “Twitter for conservatives,” where an account with his name and photo featured threats against Democratic and Republican politicians that Greeson said did not support Trump enough.
Responding to a post that suggested the “militia option” to keep Trump in office, Greeson wrote: “I’m in … call me, I have guns and ammo!” He interacted with posts from the far-right Proud Boys, telling them to give Antifa “to hell”.
Greeson also said that he expected Mayor Nancy Pelosi to catch Covid-19 and die, and on December 17 she wrote: “Let’s take this f —— Country BACK !! Load your weapons and go to the streets! “
Kristi Greeson did not confirm whether the account belonged to her husband, but the photos he posted to Parler are images of the same person found on his Facebook and Twitter accounts, which have been verified by NBC News.
Philips, 50, died of a stroke, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported, but NBC News was unable to ascertain the cause of death. The computer programmer founded a social media site for Trump supporters, Trumparoo.com, the Inquirer reported. The site coordinated trips to Washington for people who wanted to attend the protest.
“Since my kids are suffering and processing yesterday’s shocking events, I respectfully request privacy,” said Nicole Mun, Philip’s ex-wife, in a statement on Thursday.
Mun said he no longer had a relationship with Philip and had nothing more to say. Other family members did not return repeated requests for comment.
Boyland also died of a medical emergency, officials said, without providing further details. The first respondents performed CPR at about 5 pm on Wednesday, after she passed out, reported NBC Atlanta affiliate WXIA. His family did not return calls and emails asking for more information.
Ali Gostanian contributed.