ORLANDO, Fla. – A man who was captured on video carrying a Trump flag inside the Capitol building during a deadly riot last month was arrested Wednesday morning at Orlando International Airport as he was preparing to fly to Puerto Rico, federal officials said.
According to a criminal complaint penned by the FBI, someone who has known Steven Omar Maldonado for many years recognized him in news footage that aired during the siege and in the days that followed. That person notified the FBI.
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Images provided in the eight-page document show Maldonado wearing a white hat with “Make America Great Again” and former President Donald Trump’s name on it while carrying a blue Trump flag. A photo on the FBI’s website shows his hand up and pointing forward while his mouth was open wide as if yelling.
Along with news footage, agents said they also obtained cellphone video that Maldonado recorded while inside the Senate chamber. Surveillance footage from the Capitol police department shows Maldonado walking ahead of a man seemingly dressed as Captain America in the Ohio Clock corridor of the Capitol, according to the report.
The FBI said Maldonado was interviewed at his home on Saturday and admitted that he and his friend attended the Stop the Steal rally and that he was the man seen in the news reports and surveillance video.
Court records show he’s facing charges of violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds and restricted building or grounds. He appeared before a judge Wednesday afternoon.
On Jan. 6, a mob of Trump supporters pushed past police and entered the Capitol building as lawmakers were preparing to certify Joe Biden’s presidential win.
Several Florida men have been arrested in connection with the deadly riot, including a Sanford firefighter and a local Proud Boys organizer.
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