January 6 Investigations: Two More From South Carolina Arrested
The FBI detained two more South Carolinians on Monday in connection with the January 6 Capitol rioting. The guys, both from Greenville, are John Barry Chisholm, 34, and Michael Anderson, 44, according to a federal complaint.
On Friday morning, they were arraigned in Greenville before US Magistrate Judge Kevin MacDonald. They posted a $25,000 unsecured bond apiece.
According to federal court records, both have been charged with knowingly entering a prohibited area, unruly and disruptive conduct in a restricted area, disorderly or disruptive conduct in a Capitol building, and marching or protesting in a Capitol building. The overall number of South Carolinians detained in connection with the Capitol disturbances on January 6, 2021, is 27.
Tipsters assisted the FBI in identifying Anderson and Chisholm and directed federal agents to Facebook posts by both men that appeared to brag about their involvement in a mob of Trump supporters who attempted to prevent former Vice President Mike Pence from certifying the November 2020 election, in which Joe Biden won a majority of electoral votes.
According to a federal complaint naming both men, one tipster who knew Chisholm personally informed the FBI that Chisholm “had posted photographs on social media from inside the (Capitol) building but that he later deleted the photographs.” Chisholm further claimed on Facebook that Pence had the authority “to send it (the election) back to the states,” according to the complaint.
According to the complaint, the FBI received video evidence that showed Anderson and Chisholm inside the United States Capitol. Each wore a black hooded sweatshirt with the enormous number “864” emblazoned in yellow across the front. “Based on my knowledge of the area, I know that 864 is the area code for the area around Greenville, South Carolina,” the FBI agent who drafted the complaint stated.
The agent’s name was redacted, but the complaint stated that he worked out of the FBI’s Greenville office and is currently “tasked with investigating criminal activity in and around the Capitol grounds on January 6, 2021.” According to the complaint, Anderson and Chisholm utilized a bicycle rack to climb a wall at the Capitol.
According to the Department of Justice, more than 1,387 persons from nearly all 50 states were detained in connection with the Capitol hack. Approximately 493 offenders have been charged with attacking, resisting, or impeding law enforcement officials, with 129 charged with employing a deadly weapon or causing serious bodily harm to an officer. Approximately 140 police officers were hurt during the battle.
Beattie Ashmore, an attorney, represents Chisholm. Anderson’s attorney is Lora Blanchard, an assistant federal public defender. She was unavailable for remark.
Beattie Ashmore stated that his client has been cooperative since initially being contacted by the government on February 1, 2021.
“I can’t explain why it took so long for charges to be filed,” Ashmore was quoted as saying.
“Mr. Chisolm went to President Trump’s previous rally. Unfortunately, he spent about three minutes inside the Capitol. He looked around and did not like what he saw, so he departed. “He certainly did not harm or damage any person or property,” Ashmore stated.
Max Cauthen III was the federal prosecutor at Monday’s hearing.