(WWJ) Another Michigander has been charged for his alleged involvement in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, this time from Macomb County.
James "Jimmy" Allen Mels of Shelby Township was arrested Thursday morning on a federal warrant, according to authorities, and is expected to make his first court appearance Thursday afternoon.
A spokesperson for the U.S. District Court in Detroit said Mels faces one count of knowingly entertaining or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, as well as and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.
This is the second time Mels has made news in connection with alleged calls for political violence. In November of 2016, Motor City Muckraker reported that Mels — identified as a supporter of Donald Trump — posted a since-delated photo on Facebook of then-President Barack Obama hanging from a noose with the caption: "Congratulations to all that supported TRUMP. You my friends are winners. Now lets get to work and hang these traitors. Starting at the top? Public hangings in order. Start with this guy."
Mels is the third Michigan resident to be federally charged in connection with the violent riots in Washington D.C.
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Michael Foy, a former Marine from Wayne County, was earlier arrested and charged for allegedly hitting a police officer with a hockey stick during the riots. He identified through a publicly shared video and photos on his father's Facebook page.
Karl Dresch of Calumet, in the Upper Peninsula, was arrested and charged after someone called in tip to the FBI. Federal investigators say they have screenshots of since-deleted social media posts, allegedly from Dresch, which included photos of him inside the Capitol at the time of the siege, and the words “We’re in."
This update comes as the impeachment trial continues for Trump, who stands accused of inciting his supporters to storm the Capitol to try to halt the certification of Joe Biden's victory.
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