Brian Bartels, Civil Disorder, Pennsylvania 2020

Brian Bartels, a suburban Pittsburgh man, has been charged with civil disorder for his role in the destruction of a Pittsburgh Police vehicle during a protest in downtown Pittsburgh on Saturday.

According to U.S. Attorney Scott Brady, Bartels was the first to incite violence during the protest, which was initially peaceful. With others looking on outside PPG Paints Arena, Bartels spray painted a Pittsburgh Police car, and then smashed and jumped on the windshield. Others then joined in, setting the car on fire and destroying it.

This marked the turning point in the demonstration, as what was peaceful became lawless. Ultimately, several Pittsburgh police cars were burned, mounted Pittsburgh Police officers were attacked, and projectiles were thrown at Pittsburgh Police Officers.

Bartels admitted to Pittsburgh police and the FBI that he is an extremist and had brought his 'agitator toolkit' to the protest, which included red and black spray paint and rocks. He had purchased the spray paint and packed his backpack with the materials the day before the protest.

The First Amendment protects peaceful assembly and protest, but it does not permit people to use a protest as cover to commit arson, destroy property, or incite violence. U.S. Attorney Brady warned that anyone who would copy Bartels and similar extremists should know that they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Brian Bartels, [Defendant REAL full name or legal entity name], is charged with civil disorder, a federal crime. The crime occurred on May 30, 2020, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The current status of the case is ongoing.

As a reminder, the First Amendment rights of citizens are protected, but they must be exercised peacefully and without violence. The U.S. Attorney's Office will continue to work tirelessly to protect these rights and to hold accountable those who would seek to exploit them for their own nefarious purposes.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/us-attorney-brady-statement-suburban-pittsburgh-man-charged-civil-disorder-destruction