Capitol cop told rioter 'it's your house now' and gave him a HUG, FBI affidavit reveals as members of law enforcement are investigated
A man who is suspected of joining the riot at the U.S. Capitol last week told authorities a Capitol Police officer shook his hand as he entered the building and said: 'It's your house now.'
Robert Bauer admitted to the FBI that he, along with his cousin, Edward Hemenway of Virginia, went to the pro-Trump rally outside the White House on January 6 before heading to the riot at the Capitol.
Once inside the building, the police officer grabbed Bauer's hand, he said.
Robert Bauer and his cousin, Edward Hemenway, were accused of participating in the Capitol riot on January 6
The FBI is said to have used photos posted to Facebook to identify them
Police try to hold back protesters pushing into a doorway at the Capitol last Wednesday
Hemenway claims he then said 'sorry' to the police officer to which the officer repeated 'It's your house now' and proceeded to give Hemenway a 'half-hug.'
Bauer claims that he believes the officer was acting out of fear.
He has also told FBI investigators that he entered the Capitol to 'occupy space' and has said he was not aware Congress was in session at the time according to Fox News.
Both Bauer and Hemenway have been charged with violent entry and disorderly conduct and knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds.
The FBI is said to have used photos Bauer posted to Facebook to identify them both.
Smoke from a pepper-spray ball exploded as it was used against pro-Trump protesters during the storming of the Capitol building
Pro-Trump protesters confront the police during a rally at the Capitol building. 50 police officers were wounded during the melee
In a statement, the Capitol Police have said they are 'actively reviewing video and other open source materials of some USCP officers and officials that appear to be in violation of Department regulations and policies.
'Our Office of Professional Responsibility is investigating these behaviors for disciplinary action, up to, and including, termination,' Communications Director Eva Malecki said.
'Several USCP officers have already been suspended pending the outcome of their investigations.'
A Capitol Police officer who posed for a selfie with a rioter (above) has been suspended
Earlier this week, two officers with the Capitol Police were been suspended and a third member of law-enforcement was arrested for alleged misconduct as it emerged a total of 17 Capitol Police officers are being investigated.
One was suspended for taking a selfie with a rioter. Another was suspended for putting on a MAGA hat and acting as a 'guide' for rioters around the Capitol.
However, one officer in particular has been praised for his quick thinking.
Eugene Goodman managed to draw a group of rioters away from the Senate chamber from which they were just moments from breaking into.
House members are looking to honor him with the Congressional Gold Medal.
In a different incident from the riot, Capitol cop Eugene Goodman is seen running away from the mob, leading them from the Senate. He is being hailed as a hero
No comments