Former Republican Candidate Arrested and Charged with Federal Crimes for Involvement in Capitol Riot

A former Republican legislative candidate from Maine has been arrested and charged with federal crimes for his involvement in the U.S. Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. Matthew Brackley, 39, of Waldoboro, Maine, was among the thousands of supporters who traveled to Washington for former President Donald Trump's "Stop the Steal rally."

Brackley allegedly entered the Capitol building and asked for the location of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office before shouting, "Let's go," according to prosecutors. Brackley was arrested on felony charges, including assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers and civil disorder, along with several misdemeanors.

He made his initial court appearance on Friday. It remains unclear if Brackley has legal representation, as he did not immediately respond to an email request for comment. In addition to his involvement in the Capitol riot, Brackley had also unsuccessfully attempted to unseat Democratic state Sen.Eloise Vitelli of Arrowsic in a previous election.

His campaign website described him as a graduate of the Maine Maritime Academy, emphasizing his commitment to having "respectful, thoughtful conversations on the issues." Prosecutors state that Brackley led a group that repeatedly pushed through police officers inside the Capitol building before eventually being dispersed by chemical spray and exiting.

The attack on the U.S. Capitol has resulted in over 1,000 people being charged with federal crimes. So far, approximately 100 individuals have been convicted by juries or judges after trials, and over 600 have pleaded guilty. More than half of the riot defendants have already been sentenced, with prison terms ranging from three days to 18 years.