In an analysis on Thursday, NPR revealed the extent to which current and former military were embedded in the invasion of the U.S. Capitol.
"NPR compiled a list of individuals facing federal or District of Columbia charges in connection with the events of Jan. 6," reported Tom Dreisbach and Meg Anderson. "Of more than 140 charged so far, a review of military records, social media accounts, court documents and news reports indicate at least 27 of those charged, or nearly 20%, have served or are currently serving in the U.S. military. To put that number in perspective, only about 7% of all American adults are military veterans, according to the U.S. Census Bureau."
"Some veterans who allegedly stormed the Capitol are still serving in some capacity," continued the report. "Jacob Fracker, 29, was an infantry rifleman in the Marine Corps and deployed to Afghanistan twice, according to the Pentagon. He now serves in the Virginia National Guard, according to widespread news reports, though he was not among the service members deployed to Washington ahead of the inauguration. He is also a police officer in Rocky Mount, Va. With him at the Capitol on Jan. 6 was his colleague from the Rocky Mount Police Department, Thomas Robertson, 47, who is an Army veteran also facing charges."
The rioters appear to have ties to groups like the Oath Keepers, a far-right paramilitary group that includes many retired military and law enforcement personnel. Some of those arrested from a military background are being investigated as domestic terrorists.
The riot, which left five people dead and grew out of a pro-Trump rally protesting the certification of the election, has resulted in the impeachment of former President Donald Trump. The Senate has not yet determined when the trial will start.
