An Ohio man faces charges stemming from the January 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. Jeffrey Newcomb, 41, of Polk, Ohio, reportedly assaulted law enforcement and obstructed the peace during a joint session of Congress aimed at confirming the 2020 presidential election results. Today, he was apprehended and is being charged with felony offenses, as well as a series of misdemeanors related to his actions on that tumultuous day.
According to a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia and as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Newcomb created and brought a 13ft by 10ft custom metal "Trump" sign to the Capitol, allegedly to use in the riots. This sign, large enough to be a significant threat to the safety of police officers, was brought from Ohio to Washington, D.C. by Newcomb and paraded around the "Stop the Steal" rally before it was used to confront a police line.
Footage from the day shows Newcomb and others carrying the sign onto Capitol grounds and up the Maryland Walkway, getting closer to the building. As the violence escalated, Newcomb is said to have assisted in using the sign as a ram to push through law enforcement lines. Despite a temporary setback when Newcomb fell, the effort resumed with increased vigor as the sign made its way closer to the officers.
When the sign finally reached the officers, it struck them, creating a hazardous situation that required over a dozen officers to resolve. Newcomb is alleged to have participated actively until after the West Plaza police line was breached and rioters advanced onto the Inaugural stage. The court documents state that the metal sign, with its sharp edges and size, could have easily caused serious injuries to the police officers present.
With 1,532 individuals charged in connection with the Capitol breach and over 571 facing felony charges for assaulting or impeding law enforcement, the massive scope of this investigation is unprecedented. The FBI is continuing its efforts to pursue those involved, and the public is urged to provide any information they may have. This information can be shared by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or visiting the FBI's tips website.
While a complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, Newcomb's case embodies the ongoing legal repercussions of January 6th. His initial appearance will occur in the Northern District of Ohio. The case is a joint effort by multiple agencies, including the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section, with assistance from the FBI's Cleveland and Washington Field Offices, U.S. Capitol Police, and the Metropolitan Police Department.
