FBI Charges NC Man In Connection With Capitol Riot

NORTH CAROLINA — A North Carolina man is facing several federal charges in connection with the Jan. 6 riot in the U.S. Capitol. Christopher Spencer of Pilot Mountain, was taken into custody Tuesday in Kernersville by agents from the FBI Charlotte field office.

According to the FBI, charges against Spencer include knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol Grounds; and obstruction of justice.

Much like other suspects charged in the Jan. 6 riot, Spencer's charges stem from livestream videos posted on his social media account. In court documents, Spencer is accused of posting at least three videos from inside the Capitol, including from the wing where House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office is located.

"As he walks through Statuary Hall, Spencer says, 'Who would’ve knew the first time I ever come would be to storm,'" the document said. "He then moves towards the entry doors to the House of Representatives where a crowd is gathered chanting, 'Stop the steal. Stop the steal.' Later you can also hear screams of, 'Open the door!' The video ends with chants of, 'Break it down! Break it down! Break it down!'"

"Christopher Spencer is charged with illegally entering our Nation's Capitol building and broadcasting his crimes live on social media for the world to see," FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge Robert Wells said. "Now he will experience the federal justice system firsthand. This is the first federal arrest in North Carolina, but will not be the last if FBI investigations prove anyone else from North Carolina committed crimes related to the Capitol violence."