DOJ: Canton man led charge past police on Jan. 6
(WJW) — A Canton man arrested Friday on charges related to the Jan. 6, 2021, riots was one of the first rioters to push past police barricades and reach the East Central Steps to the U.S. Capitol, according to federal authorities.
Authorities on Friday arrested Clay Norris, 48, of Canton, on a felony charge of civil disorder and misdemeanor charges relating to the Capitol breach, according to a Friday news release from the U.S. Department of Justice.
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According to court documents, Norris walked behind barricades and used a megaphone to shout at officers lined up on the opposite side, yelling “Stop the steal!” “Whose house?” and “Fight for Trump!” according to the release.
“I got bad news. We’re pushing through. You better get down with us or back off because we’re pushing through,” Norris reportedly told officers, according to his criminal complaint.
Photos and videos show Norris and other rioters pushing the barricade’s metal fencing against Capitol Police officers who were trying to stop the mob’s advance. At about 2 p.m., surveillance footage shows Norris move some of the barricades, allowing rioters to advance.
Third-party video shows Norris was one of the first rioters to make it to the East Central Steps of the Capitol building. He and others ascended the steps and were met with another line of police officers. Norris stood out in front with his megaphone, shouting for officers to bring out the elected officials inside “to talk to us,” reads the release.
When officers retreated to the terrace, unable to hold the line, Norris was one of the first to reach the top of the steps. He and others allegedly surrounded officers near the Rotunda door, continuing to push toward the building. Norris allegedly pushed into one officer’s shield and could be heard yelling, “Push forward!” and chanting, “USA!”
Video footage shows Norris trying to get inside the Rotunda. Capitol police officers then deployed gas, and Norris retreated into the crowd, reads the release.
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Following his arrest, Norris was expected to make his initial appearance in Ohio’s Northern District federal court later Friday.
Norris’ case is being investigated by the FBI’s Cleveland and Washington field officers, according to the release.
Nearly 1,400 people from nearly all U.S. states have been charged in connection to the Jan. 6 attack, according to the Department of Justice, including nearly 500 people who have been charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, which is a felony.
Anyone with tips regarding the Jan. 6 attack can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.
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