Joseph Randall Biggs, the leader of the all-male extremist group Proud Boys, was arrested on Wednesday due to his alleged participation in the U.S Capitol riot early this month. An FBI affidavit disclosed that Briggs is being charged of obstruction of a proceeding, entering restricted grounds and disorderly conduct. Briggs, who is also Proud Boys’ organizer, showed up in an Orlando court together with his lawyer remained silent when asked to to give a comment. He is currently under house arrest and other restrictions.
CNN: Prior to the Capitol riot, Biggs posted messages on Parler, telling his followers to blend in and not wear identifiable clothing
According the CNN, the Proud Boys leader is facing charges, namely obstruction of a proceeding, entering restricted grounds and disorderly conduct for his part in the siege of the Capitol on January 6.
Ahead of the Capitol riot, Biggs posted messages on Parler, the social media platform favored by the far right, telling his followers to blend in and not wear identifiable clothing, an FBI special agent wrote in the affidavit.
Authorities say Biggs said, “This is awesome!” on livestreamed footage of rioters entering the Capitol building, according to the affidavit.
The FBI said that Biggs told agents he entered the Capitol but not by using force, and denied knowing about any planning for the storming of the building.
NBC News: The charges say he was one of the first to enter the building, through a door that was opened by a small group that got in by breaking a window
In a similar report, NBC News disclosed that Biggs, an organizer of the far-right, all-male group, was identified through multiple videos and photos, according to a criminal complaint signed by an FBI agent who worked the case.
The charges say he was one of the first to enter the Capitol building, through a door that was opened by a small group that got in by breaking a window with a police body shield.
