ARAB, Alabama — A criminal complaint has been filed against an Arab, Alabama, man in connection to the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.
The complaint alleges that 33-year-old Joshua A. James of Arab "forcibly stormed the U.S. Capitol, equipped with military-style gear, for the purpose of obstructing the Congressional proceeding occurring on January 6."
According to the complaint, James, along with others involved in the riot, were affiliated with a group called the Oath Keepers. The complaint describes the Oath Keepers as "a large but loosely organized collection of individuals, some of whom are associated with militias."
The complaint also claims the Oath keepers explicitly focus on recruiting current and former military, law enforcement and first-responder personnel to "defend the Constitution 'from all enemies, foreign and domestic.'"
An alleged member of the Oath Keepers posted an article to the group's website saying, "It is CRITICAL that all patriots who can be in DC get to DC to stand tall in support of President Trump’s fight to defeat the enemies foreign and domestic who are attempting a coup, through the massive vote fraud and related attacks on our Republic. We Oath Keepers are both honor-bound and eager to be there in strength to do our part."
The complaint alleges that photographs and videos from the day of the riot show James wearing tactical gear and an Oath Keepers baseball cap with other alleged Oath Keepers members storming the Capitol building.
Additionally, phone records obtained via warrant indicate James had entered the Capitol building on the day of the riot, according to the complaint.
On January 5, the day before the riot, James and others who were also wearing military-style gear and Oath Keepers apparel served as security for a speaker at "Stop the Steal" rallies, the complaint states.
The complaint accuses James's of two charges:
- "Corruptly obstructed, influenced, and impeded an official proceeding, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1512(c)(2), 2, and attempted to do the same."
- "Entered and remained in any restricted building and grounds without lawful authority, and knowingly, and with intent to impede and disrupt the orderly Case 1:21-mj-00284-RMM Document 1-1 Filed 03/08/21 Page 1 of 20 2 conduct of Government business and official functions, engaged in disorderly and disruptive conduct, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1752(a)(1) and (2)."
The full criminal complaint can be read below: