PORTLAND, Maine — A former Republican legislative candidate who traveled to Washington for former President Donald Trump’s “Stop the Steal” rally was arrested Friday and charged with federal crimes for his position within the U.S. Capitol riot, officers mentioned.

Matthew Brackley, 39, of Waldoboro, Maine, entered the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and requested for the placement of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s workplace earlier than shouting, “Let’s go,” based on prosecutors.

He was arrested on felony fees together with assaulting, resisting or impeding sure officers and civil dysfunction, together with a number of misdemeanors. He made his preliminary courtroom look on Friday.

It was not clear if Brackley had a lawyer, and he didn't instantly reply to an e-mail request for remark.

Brackley tried unsuccessfully to unseat Democratic state Sen. Eloise Vitelli of Arrowsic final 12 months. His marketing campaign web site described him as a Maine Maritime Academy graduate whose strategy can be to have “respectful, thoughtful conversations on the issues.”

At the Capitol, prosecutors mentioned, Brackley led a bunch that pushed by means of law enforcement officials a number of instances earlier than finally being dispersed by chemical spray and exiting.

More than 1,000 folks have been charged with federal crimes associated to the Jan. 6 assault.

Approximately 100 of them have been convicted by juries or judges after trials, and greater than 600 have pleaded responsible.

Over 570 riot defendants have been sentenced, with greater than half receiving jail phrases starting from three days to 18 years.

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