5 Florida men arrested after US Capitol riot

Authorities identify suspects in photos

WASHINGTON – At least five men from Florida are facing federal charges for their alleged roles in the siege of the U.S. Capitol, court records show.

Eric Gavelek Munchel was arrested in Nashville after authorities said they used social media posts to identify him as the masked protestor who carried zip ties into the Senate chamber.

Munchel lived and worked in the Fort Myers area before moving to Tennessee.

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Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille posted a message on its Facebook page prior to Munchel’s arrest stating a former employee from more than two years ago was involved in the events at the Capitol.

“We have no affiliation with this employee and their actions were their own,” the company wrote.

Authorities identified Parrish resident Adam Johnson as the man seen in photos walking off with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s lectern. A judge set Johnson’s bond at $25,000 during a court hearing Monday.

Smiling man carrying Pelosi’s lectern 1 of 6 Florida men linked to U.S. Capitol siege

Michael Curzio, who lives in the Marion County community of Summerfield, was arrested on charges of unlawful entry, engaging in disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.

Matthew Council, of Riverview, Florida, is charged with pushing a law enforcement officer as he unlawfully entered the Capitol building.

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Another Florida man, Douglas Sweet, is also accused of engaging in disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.

While more arrests are coming at the federal level, dozens have already been arrested and charged in Superior Court with offenses including curfew violations and firearms-related crimes.

Anyone who can help identify the people involved can contact the ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email ATFTips@atf.gov or submit information anonymously via ReportIt.com.

The FBI is also seeking digital evidence for its investigation. Anyone with digital material or tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or submit images or videos at fbi.gov/USCapitol.


About the Author:

Emmy Award-winning investigative reporter Mike DeForest has been covering Central Florida news for more than two decades.

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