71-Year-Old Suspected of Flagpole Attack on Cop at Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

GRIMY TIMES EXCLUSIVE — A brazen attack on a Metropolitan Police Department officer during the Jan. 6 Capitol breach has landed 71-year-old Howard Charles Richardson of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, in hot water with federal charges.

According to court documents, Richardson was caught on tape wielding a metal flagpole near the Capitol’s bicycle rack-style barricades. He allegedly struck an officer three times before his weapon snapped in his grasp.

The assault took place amidst a chaotic scene as rioters descended upon the U.S. Capitol, disrupting a joint session of Congress tasked with certifying electoral votes for the presidential election. Richardson is facing charges including assaulting law enforcement with a dangerous weapon, engaging in physical violence on restricted grounds, civil disorder, and resisting or impeding certain officers.

Prosecuting this case are the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. The FBI has been instrumental in the investigation, identifying Richardson as #362 in its seeking information photos and working closely with local law enforcement agencies.

Since Jan. 6, over 675 individuals have been arrested across nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the Capitol breach, with more than 210 charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation into this riot continues to unfold.

Citizens with information are encouraged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov. As always, charges in any criminal complaint or indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.