ABC News

FBI arrests Trump appointee Federico Klein in connection with Capitol riot

ABC News logo ABC News 5/03/2021 11:28:03
UP NEXT
UP NEXT

The Federal Bureau of Investigation said Thursday that it has arrested Federico Klein, one of former President Donald Trump's appointees to the U.S. Department of State, for his alleged role in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

Klein, 42, was picked up by federal agents in Virginia, according to a spokesperson for the FBI's field office in Washington, D.C. Details on the charges against him and his alleged role in the deadly riot were not immediately available.

It was unclear whether Klein has obtained legal representation.

a large building in the background: Members of the National Guard are seen on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on March 4, 2021. © Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty ImagesMembers of the National Guard are seen on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on March 4, 2021.

As of last summer, Klein was listed in a federal directory as serving as a special assistant in the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs since January 2017, and was designated as a "Schedule C" political appointee.

Klein also previously worked on Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, according to Politico, which was first to report his arrest.

MORE: Capitol Police officials say intel on possible March 4 plot being taken 'seriously'

He is the first known member of the Trump administration to face criminal charges in connection with the storming of the Capitol building by a pro-Trump mob.

a group of people standing in front of a crowd: Supporters of President Donald Trump clash with police and security forces as they push barricades to storm the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, 2021. © Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty ImagesSupporters of President Donald Trump clash with police and security forces as they push barricades to storm the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, 2021.

The events of Jan. 6 occurred after Trump and his allies held a rally in Washington, D.C., urging Congress not to certify the results of the November presidential election, in which Trump lost to Democratic candidate Joe Biden. The then-president vowed to "never concede" and urged his supporters "to fight" as he continued to push baseless claims of election fraud.

clouds in front of a building © Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images MORE: 'Many' US Capitol Police officers want to retire or leave after Jan. 6 insurrection, union says

Crowds of people then made their way to the steps of the Capitol, pushing through barricades, officers in riot gear and other security measures that were put in place in anticipation of the protest.

An angry mob breached the Capitol building, forcing a lockdown with members of Congress and their staff holed up inside.

It took hours for law enforcement to clear the building and establish a perimeter around the area. Five people, including a police officer, died during the rampage and dozens more were injured.

vendredi 5 mars 2021 13:28:03 Categories: ABC News

ShareButton
ShareButton
ShareButton
  • RSS

Suomi sisu kantaa
NorpaNet Beta 1.1.0.18818 - Firebird 5.0 LI-V6.3.2.1497

TetraSys Oy.

TetraSys Oy.