The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) is unraveling the tangle of humanity that seethed across the Capitol ground and surged against the Capitol Police. They appear to have found a nest of the insurgents in Utah.
Digital evident led the feds to a Utah man they identified assaulting a police officer during the January 6 attempted coup. They discovered a Facebook profile containing photos of him placing him in Washington, D.C. within the timeframe of the Donald Trump rally and ensuing riot.
Landon Kenneth Copeland, 33, of St. George, was the fifth man from Utah to be placed at the Capitol breach. Agents believed he was also shown in a surveillance video attacking the police just outside of the building, according to the FBI statement of facts.
Copeland admitted he was in the riot, but his explanation looked far different than the videos showed. He said that “the crowd was participating in peaceful protests.” Then, he turned around and threatened future violence, according to Fox13:
‘Unfortunately, only one option remains when we return. We bring guns and take the Capitol building without the intention of being peaceful.’
The special agent investigating Copeland wrote that he had been wearing identical “distinct” clothing in both the surveillance video and in Facebook photos.
The U.S. Department of Justice D.C. court documents read:
‘According to court documents, Copeland entered the Capitol grounds on Jan. 6 where he assaulted law enforcement officers and obstructed their efforts to carry out their duties. According to U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) footage, Copeland shouted at officers and pushed another crowd member into the police line before being pushed back.’
‘Shortly after, Copeland was involved in a tug-of-war style struggle with police over a metal bike rack fence barricade. After one or more officers deployed a chemical irritant, Copeland tossed the bike rack toward multiple law enforcement officers. ‘
The FBI agent wrote that he “assaulted police” and “obstructed them from carrying out their duties. KUTV reported how the video unfolded. The man whom the FBI identified as Copeland was seen assaulting Capitol Police. The agent alleged:
‘In response, Copeland pushed or threw the fence toward multiple law enforcement officers.’
Federal authorities arrested Copeland early Thursday. He appeared in court that afternoon:
‘[He is charged with] assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers, obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder, knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.’
Copeland made the fifth person from Utah to be arrested in relation to the Capitol insurrection. The other men were:
‘Willard Jake Peart, of Toquerville, was arrested earlier this week. Previous arrests also include Brady Knowlton, of St. George, Michael Lee Hardin, of Kaysville, and John Earle Sullivan, of Salt Lake.’
Copeland’s Facebook page also contained anti-feminist slogans and immigrant criticisms.
The Mueller Report Adventures: In Bite-Sizes on this Facebook page. These quick, two-minute reads interpret the report in normal English for busy people. Mueller Bite-Sizes uncovers what is essentially a compelling spy mystery. Interestingly enough, Mueller Bite-Sizes can be read in any order.
