A California gym opener who opened his business in defiance of the COVID-19 lockdown was arrested for allegedly taking part in the storming of the US Capitol earlier this month. 

Jacob Lewis, 37, who owns “The Gym” in Victorville, was arrested Tuesday and charged with entering the Capitol’s restricted grounds, as well as violent entry and disorderly conduct, according to the US Department of Justice. 

Two days after the Jan. 6 riot, a tipster told authorities that Lewis “flew from Victorville, CA to Washington, D.C. to attack the Capitol along with many Trump supporters to stop the certification of the electoral college,” according to a complaint.

And on Jan. 11, another person — who claimed to be a friend of Lewis — said that last month, Lewis told them to “watch what happens to the Capitol on the 6th,” the complaint states. 

Investigators accessed Lewis’ Instagram page, which includes a video posted Jan. 6 showing a large crowd gathered on the Capitol steps, according to the complaint. 

They also reviewed Capitol Police video, which reportedly shows Lewis moving through the Capitol’s corridors and passing through doors into the Senate’s wing. 

“Lewis admitted that following the rally, he walked toward the Capitol, and that he then entered the capitol building with a number of people after it had been breached by others,” prosecutors wrote.

“He stated that he was never told that he could not enter, and that he was ‘escorted’ by the Police in the building. He stated that he did not partake in any violence while he was in the building and that he believed that some individuals involved in agitating were Antifa members in disguise.”

The video reviewed by investigators does not appear to show he had a police escort, according to the complaint.

Following his arrest at his home, a magistrate judge authorized his release on a $50,000 bond and required him to wear an electronic monitor while he awaits future court appearances, The Los Angeles Times reported. 

Back in May, Lewis re-opened his gym despite a shutdown imposed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, according to the paper. 

He argued that gyms should be allowed to stay open, as they are essential to people’s physical and mental health. 

“If our corrupt elected politicians in this state won’t open our economy, then #WeThePeople will!” he wrote.