A self-proclaimed white supremacist from Maryland who was on parole for burglary has been arrested in connection with the riots at the US Capitol after his ankle monitor placed him at the scene of the unrest, officials said.
Bryan Betancur “has made statements to law enforcement officers that he is a member of several white supremacy organizations” and “has voiced homicidal ideations, made comments about conducting a school shooting and has researched mass shootings,” according to a federal affidavit.
He also has expressed his desire to be a “lone wolf killer,” it said.
The Silver Spring resident, who has been convicted of fourth-degree burglary, was on probation when he asked for — and received — permission to travel to DC to sell Bibles with an organization called Gideon International.
Betancur, who was fitted with an ankle bracelet, was monitored by authorities who used computer software to track his movement, according to the affidavit.
A screenshot of the program shows he apparently ventured in the direction of the White House Ellipse — where President Trump rallied his supporters — before moving to the area in front of the Capitol, where he remained from 2 to 5 p.m., the document says.
Based on a tip, the suspect also was identified in a social media post as “bryan_patriot_1776,” who “appears to stand on scaffolding erected on the western side of the U.S. Capitol Building holding the corner of a confederate battle flag,” according to the affidavit.
A photograph also shows him wearing what appears to be a Proud Boys T-shirt and flashing the “OK” hand signal, the document says. The signal is commonly used by white supremacists.
Betancur, who was arrested Sunday, faces three charges, including unlawful entry to a restricted area. He is the third person from Maryland to face federal charges in connection with the Capitol riot.
“This did not involve rocket science investigatory techniques to figure out that he had been involved,” Professor Michael Greenberger, founder and director of the University of Maryland Center for Health and Homeland Security, told CBS Baltimore.
“These people who were involved in January 6 are very proud of it. They have selfies, they have videos, they are telling friends and acquaintances they did what they did and that’s how these indictments are running up so quickly,” he added.