An Irvine man faces federal charges alleging he was among the crowd that breached the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.
Matthew Thomas Purse was arrested Friday and charged with entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.
A criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia alleges that Purse was identified via video entering the Capitol wearing a black tactical vest with the words “PRESS” on his chest and back, and a black helmet with the words “PRESS” on either side. He was allegedly carrying a long black pole, with what appeared to be a recording device at the end of the pole.
According to the criminal complaint, Purse is not believed to be a member of the press media or associated with having press credentials related to the U.S. Capitol.