LI Man Accused Of Entering Capitol During Insurrection

LINDENHURST, NY — A Lindenhurst man has been charged with misdemeanor crimes in federal court in connection with the insurrection at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Video footage and security camera images obtained by the FBI showed Matthew Schmitz participating in the riot, federal authorities said in court documents unsealed Thursday.

Schmitz entered the Capitol through a Senate wing door around 2:15 p.m. that day, and then walked down a corridor for a short time before tear gas was deployed, forcing him to retreat, authorities said. He fled the Capitol through a window next to the Senate wing door, leaving within 41 seconds of entering, authorities said. Schmitz wiped down his jacket with what appeared to be an American flag handkerchief, according to court documents. He was also photographed on the National Mall before entering the Capitol during the insurrection, authorities said.

The riot happened during a joint session of Congress held to certify the vote count of the Electoral College for the 2020 presidential election.

Authorities said Schmitz violated federal criminal laws by entering a restricted building without authority and engaging in disorderly or disruptive conduct with the intent to impede government proceedings.

He was released on a $50,000 fine, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's office said.

Schmitz's charges come after the co-owner of a chain of Long Island funeral homes was arrested and charged earlier this month after authorities said he sprayed foam insecticide at a law enforcement officer during the Capitol riot.

In that case, Peter Moloney, 58, of Bayport, was accused of spraying insecticide at the faces and bodies of police officers. He was arrested on felony charges June 7.