Jan. 6 defendant who led SWAT teams on multi-day manhunt is denied bail: report

Gregory Yetman, a New Jersey man who allegedly participated in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, has been denied bail after his arrest that followed a dramatic multi-day manhunt, reported News 12 on Monday.

"Yetman’s attorney had tried to convince the judge to release him into the custody of his mother and brother," reported Chris Keating. "Yetman’s mother was in the courtroom, along with one of her other sons. She did not offer any comment."

However, Judge Tonianne Bongionvanni was unconvinced, citing his attempts to evade authorities. “This was not a momentary lapse in judgment his conduct was reckless for almost two days," she said. “His actions were unwise and short-sighted.”

Yetman, who was a New Jersey National Guardsman at the time of the Capitol insurrection, is charged with assaulting officers; obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder; entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds; and act of physical violence in the Capitol grounds or buildings. Prosecutors allege he used chemical spray on police trying to secure the Capitol complex.

His fugitive status last week prompted a manhunt that involved the FBI and SWAT teams, although ultimately he surrendered to Monroe Township police without incident.

Over 1,200 people have been charged in connection with the Capitol attack. The majority have been charged with misdemeanors like disorderly conduct and unlawful picketing, but some, like Yetman, face more serious charges like assaulting police. The ringleaders of far-right groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers have also been convicted of seditious conspiracy.