New Jersey Resident, Christopher Quaglin, Charged With Assaulting Cops, Using 'Chemical Irritant' During Jan. 6 US Capitol Riots
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- A New Jersey man was arrested Wednesday and charged with assaulting police officers during the Jan. 6 breach of the U.S. Capitol.
A criminal affidavit prepared by the FBI in support of the charges alleged that video and still photos showed Christopher Quaglin, wearing an American flag-themed hoodie with the words "Make America Great Again" on it, attacking several police officers during the riot by supporters of then-President Donald Trump.
Quaglin, of East Brunswick, is also accused of having taken officers' protective shields and passing them to other rioters, and later using one of the shields himself to attack an officer, according to the affidavit. The affidavit also alleged that Quaglin can be seen on video spraying the officers with a chemical irritant.
An anonymous tipster provided the FBI with four videos from a Facebook account under the name "Chris Trump" that showed Quaglin at the Capitol and at his hotel afterward, according to the affidavit.
In one of the hotel videos, Quaglin allegedly spoke about being pepper spray and said, "I'm sure I'm going to make the news."
Quaglin was charged with assaulting officers, civil disorder and obstructing an official proceeding. He was scheduled to make an initial appearance by videoconference in Newark on Wednesday afternoon.
An attorney representing Quaglin declined comment Wednesday.
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