The Gist: Phillip Crawford, a 47-year-old man from Douglasville, faces multiple charges, including felony offenses, for his involvement in the January 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol breach.
He made his initial appearance in court in the Northern District of Georgia on July 12, 2023.
What Happened?: Crawford is charged with assaulting and resisting law enforcement officers, as well as disrupting civil order. His misdemeanor charges include unlawful entry and disruptive conduct in a restricted building, and engaging in acts of violence within such a zone.
Court records reveal video footage from the day of the incident that shows Crawford rallying other rioters to charge at a tunnel entrance of the Capitol. He is seen engaging in physical violence with the officers, including throwing a gas mask at one of them.
By The Numbers:
- Crawford was arrested on July 12, 2023.
- He is among more than 1,069 individuals arrested across the country in connection to the Capitol breach.
- More than 350 people have been charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement in relation to the event.
Why It Matters: This case underscores the ongoing efforts to hold individuals accountable for the actions during the Capitol breach. It highlights the extent of violence that law enforcement officers faced during the event. The arrest of Crawford also adds to the increasing number of individuals who have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for their involvement in the incident.
What’s Next?: Crawford’s case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia. The investigation into the Capitol breach is ongoing. Anyone with useful tips regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the FBI.
Remember, a complaint is simply an allegation. All defendants, including Crawford, are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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