‘He means to kidnap...perhaps execute members of the U.S. government’: Air Force veteran charged in U.S. Capitol siege
A retired Air Force lieutenant colonel brought zip-tie handcuffs into the halls of Congress last week “to take hostages” and “perhaps execute members of the U.S. government,” a federal prosecutor said in a Texas court on Thursday.
Retired Lt. Col. Larry Rendall Brock Jr., 53, was arrested on Sunday in Texas after being identified as the man photographed on the Senate floor wearing a helmet and vest, and carrying the plastic cuffs. Brock was charged with knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, and violent entry and disorderly conduct on U.S. Capitol grounds.
“He means to take hostages. He means to kidnap, restrain, perhaps try, perhaps execute members of the U.S. government,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Weimer said of Brock’s intentions during the deadly riot.
Weimer did not elaborate or offer any details, though he did say Brock would likely face additional charges.
Brock’s lawyer, Brook Antonio II, argued his client was only slapped with misdemeanors and that prosecutors do not have any direct evidence that Brock broke doors or windows, or committed any violent acts once inside the halls of Congress.
“It’s all talk. It’s all speculation and conjecture,” Antonio said, noting that Brock had served four tours in Afghanistan.
With News Wire Services
