A self-described “dating and relationship strategist” from New Jersey is charged Thursday with his alleged involvement in the riot in the Capitol on Jan. 6 after he posted several videos on Twitter and admitted he was there.
Patrick Stedman, 32, is facing one case of illegal access to a restricted building and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds, according to a criminal complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Columbia.
The New Jersey resident was brought to the FBI’s attention after former classmates from the university and high school submitted tips based on his tweets.
Classmates were ‘one hundred percent’ sure that the tweets from @Pat_Stedman were from Stedman. One tipster told the FBI that they believe Stedman still lives with his parents. According to the tips, Stedman posted a video of him “storming the capital and then bragging when he’s after it.”
The bio on the Twitter account describes Stedman as a ‘Dating + Relationship Strategist’ who ‘can read people like books and help them change their story’. There is also a link to sign up for daily emails “about sex and female psychology.”
The report posted videos of the Capitol on January 6, one of which showed a group of people ‘where they were breaking into the main area of Congress’, according to the complaint.
NBC News reviewed the @Pat_Stedmen account and the tweets spotted by the FBI in the criminal charge. The tweets voiced criticism of the ‘mainstream media’ for characterizing the riot, making unfounded allegations that the rioters were rather anti-fascists than Donald Trump supporters and politicians described as criminals.
“I did not touch anyone and I did not destroy any property,” reads one tweet. “Police are letting us through – thousands of us. Ever heard of civic journalism? ”
Another Jan. 9 tweet said those outside the group of Trump supporters who stormed the U.S. Capitol building “would have to kill us all.” “Do your worst. We are armed and ready. Everyone you give away will convert 5 more to the case, ”reads the tweet. “It’s a revolution. Better now have to give up. We are more than you and will survive you. ”
In a live stream from Periscope, Stedman called the inauguration of President Joe Biden a “communist takeover” of the country. He claims that QAnon conspiracy theories “awakened” so many people and denounces the idea that QAnon supporters fall for fraud because they “did more good than evil.”
‘That’s why I’m not going to apologize for anything I’ve done in the last ten months. Why would I apologize for that? ”
FBI agents linked the photo of Stedman’s driver’s license with videos where Stedman introduced himself by name and discussed the details of being in the Capitol, including sitting in the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, according to the complaint.
The January 6 riot took place after a crowd of Trump supporters who had just attended a rally in Washington, DC – where the former president was speaking – stormed the US Capitol and briefly approved Congress’ vote of the Electoral College delayed what the victory of President Joe Biden. The violence resulted in the deaths of five people.
Stedman would appear virtually in New Jersey District Court Thursday afternoon. Court documents were not immediately available to Stedman.
A phone call to Stedman was not immediately returned Thursday.
