Colorado Springs man arrested in connection to January 6 U.S Capitol breach
DENVER, Colo. (KRDO) -- A Colorado Springs man was arrested on July 8, 2022, on felony and misdemeanor charges for his actions during the U.S Capitol breach that occurred on January 6, 2021.
The Colorado Springs man, identified by the FBI as Tyler Earl Ethridge, was arrested in Denver.
According to court documents, on Jan. 6, Ethridge was among rioters illegally on the Capitol grounds. He helped remove fencing on the northwest approach to the Capitol. He proceeded with the crowd past the barricades to the West Plaza outside the Capitol Building. As law enforcement officers attempted to clear the crowd, Ethridge climbed a media scaffolding and encouraged the crowd to keep fighting. He entered the Capitol Building at approximately 2:35 p.m.
The FBI says, he then moved to the Rotunda, where he filmed several videos that he posted on social media. In one, he stated, “I’m probably going to lose my job as a pastor after this … I think we’re to a point where talk is cheap. If this makes me lose my, my reputation, I don’t care.”
Officials say, Ethridge left the Rotunda area and joined a crowd of rioters between the Rotunda and Senate Chamber. The rioters were blocked by law enforcement officers who ordered them to disperse. Ethridge and others refused but eventually were pushed out of the hallway. He returned to the Rotunda and then exited the building. He was inside the Capitol for approximately 30 minutes.
After January 6, Ethridge remained active on social media. In one post, dated September 24, 2021, he wrote, “Don’t be afraid of what they sentence you with. I’m not. I’m ready for whatever I’ll be charged with. America is still primed and ready.”
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Denver Field Office and its Colorado Springs Resident Agency, the FBI’s Dallas Field Office, and its Abilene Resident Agency.
Ethridge is one of 850 individuals that have been arrested in connection to this incident. The FBI asks that anyone with tips call 800-225-5324 or click here.
