Cheektowaga Man Facing Charges by Feds for Pro-Trump Riots [Video]
They got him!
Credit: WIVB
A Cheektowaga man has been charged by the Federal government in connection to his participation in the pro-Trump siege on the U.S. Capitol. Pete J. Harding was charged with two federal misdemeanors for his role in the insurrection, which left five people dead.
According to WIVB, Harding appeared in court today, January 14, 2021. He answered to the charges - knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds - remotely, in the federal court in Buffalo. He is facing a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a fine of $100,000 for the charge of knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority and violent entry.
The disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds charge carries a max of six months behind bars and a fine of $100,000. Harding carries the distinction of being the first Western New Yorker to be arrested in connection to the deadly riots.
Cheektowaga Man Caught on Camera at Pro-Trump Riots, Trying to Start Fire [Video]
Harding was caught on camera not only participating in the pro-Trump riots at the U.S. Capitol but also allegedly trying to set a fire. He told WIVB that he went to the United States Capitol for what he considers a noble cause,
“To stand for freedom and liberty and justice.”
However, in the video below, he can be seen attempting to light a media crew's camera equipment on fire. You can clearly see that part of the equipment responds to Harding's lighter because it turns red and begins a slow burn.
Harding, however, told WIVB that it was "symbolic" and that he wasn't really trying to set the crew's property on fire.
We'll keep you updated on all of the fallout from the riots at the Capitol and future insurgency by pro-Trump supporters, so make sure you download the free WBLK app for Android or iPhone and turn on your notifications.