Introduction

In a significant development, an individual from Fayetteville, Arkansas has been apprehended for his participation in the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. The suspect, Nathan Earl Hughes, aged 34, is now facing both felony and misdemeanor charges related to the incident.

Details of the Arrest

According to a press release issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Hughes was taken into custody on Wednesday in Fayetteville. He subsequently appeared in federal court in the Western District of Arkansas on Thursday for his initial hearing.

The court documents allege that Hughes actively participated in the rioters’ attempts to breach the Capitol building. He was captured on surveillance video pushing against a police line and engaging in altercations with law enforcement. In one instance, he was observed striking out at the police with his elbow.

Charges Faced by Hughes

Nathan Earl Hughes is being charged with a felony offense of civil disorder. Additionally, he is facing misdemeanor charges for entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, and impeding passage through the Capitol grounds or buildings.

Extent of Arrests Following the Capitol Attack

Since January 6, 2021, over 1,106 individuals have been apprehended across almost all 50 states for crimes related to the attack on the U.S. Capitol, as stated in the FBI release.

Other Arkansans Arrested

Alongside Nathan Earl Hughes, five other individuals from Arkansas have been arrested and charged in connection with the Capitol riot:

• Richard Barnett: Barnett was found guilty by a jury of obstruction of an official proceeding, theft of government property, and entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon. He was infamously photographed with his feet up on a desk in Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office and was subsequently sentenced to four years and six months in prison.
• Brennen Cline Machacek: Machacek pleaded guilty to parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building. He was documented entering the Capitol through a window near the Senate Wing Door.
• Jon Thomas Mott: Mott was sentenced to 30 days in prison for parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building. He was seen in a video pushing against a police officer’s baton while making provocative statements.
• Robert “Bob” Snow: Snow admitted guilt to parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building. He was handed a year of probation and $510 in fines as part of his sentence.
• Peter Francis Stager: Stager pleaded guilty to assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers using a deadly or dangerous weapon. Consequently, he was sentenced to 13 years in prison.