One consistent theme so far in the enormous federal investigation of the Jan. 6 attack on Congress is the overwhelming willingness of friends, family and lovers of Capitol rioters, past and present, to rat them out to authorities.
Wednesday brought yet another exemplary entry to the court record.
According to an FBI agent’s affidavit in a newly unsealed case, Richard Michetti texted someone with whom he had a prior romantic relationship several times during the attack. She contacted authorities the following day.
Michetti allegedly sent a video showing himself on Capitol grounds during the riot. Another video showed him inside the Capitol Building itself, according to the affidavit. He also allegedly texted a string of updates about what he was up to as he rampaged with the mob.
“[I]t’s going down here we stormed the building they held us back with spray and teargas and paintballs,” Michetti allegedly texted his ex at 2:06 p.m. on Jan. 6
And, allegedly, three minutes later: “Gotta stop the vote it’s fraud this is our Country.”
Michetti is now charged with entering a restricted building, violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds, obstructing an official proceeding. The charges against him were filed Feb. 17 and unsealed Tuesday in the District of Columbia
The texted details flowed, per the affidavit: “my eyes are burnitin [sic],” “thousands of people storming” and so on.
“If you can’t see the election was stolen you’re a moron,” Michetti allegedly informed his ex around half-past four. “This is our country do you think we live like kings because no one sacrificed anything?”
The alleged’s former partner also confirmed Michetti’s identity in other photos, the FBI agent’s affidavit said. In one photo, the man alleged to be Michetti appears, appropriately, to be looking down at his phone.
Law enforcement identified the man in surveillance footage from inside the Capitol as well, the affidavit noted.
