Capitol cop resigns after being accused of aiding MAGA rioter: report

On Friday, POLITICO reported that Michael Riley, the Capitol Police officer facing charges for his alleged role in obstructing the investigation of the January 6 Capitol riot, has resigned from the force.

"Riley, who was suspended after federal prosecutors indicted him earlier this month, allegedly urged a participant in the Capitol breach — just days after the attack — to delete incriminating social media posts. He later deleted his own messages with the alleged rioter, who was arrested in January, about two weeks after Jan. 6," reported Kyle Cheney. "Riley was arrested on Oct. 15 and suspended. He has pleaded not guilty to the two counts of obstruction. Riley's legal team, from the D.C. firm Silverman, Thompson, Slutkin & White, confirmed his resignation and indicated he plans to fight the charges."

His attorneys told POLITICO, "[T]he evidence will show that it is not a felony for one person to suggest to another that they take down ill-conceived Facebook posts."

In addition to this Capitol officer, a number of current and former military and law enforcement from around the country have been implicated in the attack, with some defiant and unrepentant about their roles. One of the groups involved in the attack is the Oath Keepers, an extremist organization that radicalizes law enforcement to far-right causes.