
Hot Springs, Arkansas local, James Edward Porter, 59, was arrested on Thursday, for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol riots, facing charges that include assaulting law enforcement officers. He was taken into custody in Benton, Arkansas, and is set to make his initial appearance today in the Western District of Arkansas. According to a U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Columbia release, Porter faces several felonies and misdemeanors, including obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder.
The event that brought Porter to the attention of authorities took place four years ago, amidst the turmoil as a mob sought to interrupt the congressional session meant to certify the 2020 election results. Court documents allege Porter arrived at the capitol, after attending a rally at the Ellipse and subsequently breached police lines near the Inauguration stage, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Columbia. During the commotion, it is reported that he grabbed an officer's baton, and after a confrontation, another, officer was pushed by Porter. The clash continued until Porter was forced to retreat after a fellow rioter deployed an orange chemical irritant into the chaos.
This case is part of a broader spectrum of investigations led by the FBI’s Little Rock and Washington Field Offices, with additional support from the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case, with additional assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Arkansas.
Over the past four years, more than 1,583 individuals have been charged across the nation with crimes related to the breach, featuring over 600 individuals accused of assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The pursuit of justice remains steadfast, as the FBI continues to solicit tips from the public, which can be submitted by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or visiting tips.fbi.gov. While the charges leveled against individuals such as Porter are severe, it is critical to remember that a complaint is, merely an allegation. All defendants, including Porter, are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law, the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Columbia noted.