A man from Texas is now facing felony charges after allegedly shoving a police officer to the ground and using derogatory language towards them during the events at the Capitol on Jan. 6.
A video captured the moment when Jason Farris, 44, was among the group of former President Donald Trump supporters who confronted officers in an attempt to advance towards the Capitol building, as stated in a news release by the U.S. Justice Department. At 2:15 p.m., Farris can be observed on police body-worn camera footage approaching the police officers, who had set up metal bike racks as a barricade.
According to prosecutors, Farris allegedly struck a baton held by one of the police officers while making this statement.
Shortly after, individuals in the crowd seized a metal bicycle rack and proceeded to forcefully remove it from the vicinity of the law enforcement personnel, as stated in the probable cause affidavit. Multiple officers bravely clung to the rack, determined to prevent it from falling into the hands of the rioters.
That’s when Farris reportedly decided to take action.
Mississippi Man Arrested by FBI in Washington DC for Alleged Involvement in Jan 6 Capitol Hill Riot
“FARRIS approached a U.S. Capitol Police officer from behind, while he was attempting to hold on to the bicycle rack,” prosecutors say. “FARRIS shoved the Capitol Police officer in the back with two hands, knocking him to the ground.”
Prosecutors claim that Farris’ alleged assault set off a chain reaction of events as reported by Law and Crime.
Pro-Trump rioters launched numerous assaults on the police guarding the Capitol building on Jan. 6. Tragically, five police officers who were present during that fateful day have passed away: Brian Sicknick, tragically lost his life the day after being attacked with chemical spray. Additionally, four officers who bravely responded to the riot have sadly died by suicide.
Farris did not enter the Capitol building, according to the charging documents. Angry Trump supporters stormed the Capitol on that day, seemingly in an effort to prevent Congress from certifying Joe Biden’s 2020 electoral win. Lawmakers and staff were compelled to evacuate the premises or remain in secure locations for an extended period of time.
Investigators have reported that Farris’ identity was uncovered thanks to individuals who contacted the FBI with valuable information. According to court documents, it was reported that Farris had informed others about his presence in Washington during the insurrection. According to another individual, Farris claimed to have been in Washington during the riot and was present outside the Capitol, but did not enter the building.
Farris faces charges of assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal law enforcement, which could result in a maximum of eight years in prison, as well as obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder, which carries a potential five-year sentence. In addition, he faces several misdemeanors for disorderly conduct and trespassing.
Farris is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on Wednesday, according to prosecutors.
