An Upstate New York man arrested for his role in the ‘Stop the Steal’ protest that turned into a riot at the US Capitol did not even vote in the 2020 election, according to the new report.
CNN says it obtained poll records for more than 80 people arrested during the January 6 uprising, and found that at least eight of them did not vote in November, when then-President Donald Trump lost the White House to the current president Joe Biden. . Many people involved in the siege said they were “patriots” trying to prevent Congress from confirming the outcome of the election college, falsely claiming that Trump won the election.
But 25-year-old Edward Jacob Lang, from Newburgh, NY, did not even vote for Trump – or anyone else – in the most recent election. According to New York state records, Lang was registered to vote and ran in previous elections, but county and state officials confirmed to CNN that he did not vote in November.
Lang’s attorney said Lang claims he submitted an absentee ballot, which was not confirmed by the Sullivan County Electoral Board, and is identified as a Libertarian.
“He is not a devoted Trump supporter, but believes that those who take office will not uphold the rights of the citizens’ first and second amendments,” Lang’s attorney told CNN.
The FBI arrested Lang in his Hudson Valley home after posting photos and videos of himself violently violating the Capitol with the caption “THIS IS ME.” Lang allegedly swung a baseball bat at police officers and at least slapped them on the shoulder and allegedly saw him wearing a gas mask during the chaos.
These social media screenshots presented by the U.S. Department of Justice show Edward Jacob Lang, an Upstate New York man arrested for his role in the riots in the Capitol.
He is charged with assaulting, resisting or obstructing certain officers or employees; civil disorder; enters a restricted building or site; and violent intrusion or disorderly conduct.
According to Justice Department documents, Lang referred to him on social media as a ‘leader of freedom’ in the ‘patriot movement’, including Instagram and Facebook.
‘1776 has begun,’ he writes next to a photograph showing him on the steps of the Capitol.
“Pepper spray really does wonders for your complexion # 1776,” he wrote in another.
“I was the leader of Liberty today. Arrest me. “You are on the wrong side of history,” he said. “GIVE ME FREEDOM OR GIVE ME DEATH.”
ProPublica reports Lang also used the online messaging program Telegram to recruit people to join local militia groups after the riot in Capitol, urging them to stockpile weapons and prepare for war.
Lang’s lawyer told CNN he was a “naive, impressive young man” who was provoked by Trump’s rhetoric. Lang’s father told a local newspaper that his son had a drug problem. ‘
To date, more than 200 people have been arrested for their role in the Capitol violence that killed five people and injured more than 50 police officers. Former President Trump has been indicted by the U.S. House on charges of inciting insurgency; A Senate hearing could begin next week.
- Capitol riots: All arrested in New York (photos)
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