A Pennsylvania man was charged Wednesday for attacking a police officer and a news photographer during the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, federal authorities said.
The suspect, Alan Byerly, was hit with a six-count federal criminal complaint that included assault on a federal officer and violent entry on Capitol grounds charges, prosecutors said.
Byerly was allegedly one of a number of rioters who assaulted Associated Press photographer John Minchillo during the siege by supporters of former President Donald Trump, according to court docs.
The suspect allegedly pushed and shoved the photographer, then dragged him down a set of stairs at the Capitol, according to the complaint.
Byerly then grabbed him with both near his shoulders and upper neck and shoved him backwards, according to the court docs.
Minchillo was rescued by a good Samaritan who escorted him through the crowd as rioters attempted to storm the building in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.
The alleged incident now has Alan Byerly facing a six-count federal criminal complaint. Julio Cortez/AP
Byerly allegedly attacked AP photographer John Minchillo. Julio Cortez/AP
The cases from the Jan. 6 2021, Capitol riot are being prosecuted by Washington’s US Attorney’s Office. Julio Cortez/AP
Byerly had initially escaped the fray after another rioter helped him get free from police officers. Department of Justice via APByerly also allegedly charged at officers during the melee while holding what appeared to be a Taser that he activated near the cops.
Officers wrestled with Byrerly after noticing the Taser, but he was able to break free after another rioter helped him get away from a cop, according to the complaint.
More than 500 rioters have been charged in the melee, which led to the deaths of five people, including a Capitol Police officer.
The cases are being prosecuted by the US Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C., and investigated by the FBI and other federal law enforcement agencies.
