A Myrtle Beach resident was taken into custody by the FBI for his alleged role in the January 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. Identified as Jason Brian Barrett, 49, he now faces felony charges for obstructing law enforcement during civil disorder and assaulting or impeding certain officers during the chaotic event that took place over three years ago.
The complaint against Barrett, filed in the District of Columbia, also includes four misdemeanor offenses such as entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building. According to a release from the Justice Department, Barrett allegedly climbed over a wall, handled a "Trump 2020" flag, and was a part of the mob attacking law enforcement officers.
When Metropolitan Police Department officers arrived to support Capitol Police, they were met with violence by the rioters, which included Barrett. It is claimed that in the midst of the confrontation, Barrett grabbed a bicycle patrol officer from behind, putting his arm around the officer's neck, and continued to attack despite the officer's attempts to free himself, yelling "GET OFF ME!" Eventually, other officers intervened to help their colleague, as noted by the Justice Department.
The investigation into the January 6 breach has resulted in charges against over 1,488 individuals for various crimes related to the day's events. With nearly 550 individuals facing assault or impeding law enforcement charges, the sweep of the FBI's investigation extends nationally, with arrests made in almost all 50 states. The ongoing case against Barrett is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia alongside the Department of Justice National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section, with cooperation from various local law enforcement agencies.
Further details of Barrett's alleged involvement and escalation in the capitol attack were mentioned in the Justice Department's statement. After Barrett forcibly detached from the officer, he reportedly retreated and then hurled a white helmet toward security barriers and posts. He made his first court appearance in South Carolina, and like all those charged, he remains innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
