An image of Packer in the Capitol, whose sweatshirt bears the name of the Nazi concentration camp where about 1.1 million people died during World War II, has sparked shock and disbelief on social media. At the bottom of his shirt is ‘Work brings freedom’, which is the rough translation of the phrase ‘Arbeit macht frei’ which was on the gates of the concentration camp.
Packer did not respond to CNN’s requests for comment.
One Virginia resident who spoke to CNN about the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the case described Packer as a longtime extremist who came into contact with the law.
“He has always been extreme and very outspoken about his beliefs,” the resident said.
Another source familiar with Packer described him as an ‘off-beat’ character who expressed frustrations about the government, although the source does not recall Packer ever talking about President Donald Trump or false allegations of voter fraud .
A third source said Packer had previously worked as a welder and plumber.
According to Virginia court records, Packer has a criminal history that includes three convictions for driving under the influence and one offense for falsifying public records. In 2016, he is charged with alleged offense, although the case was dismissed.