Former State Department appointee of Donald Trump charged in connection to Capitol riots

A former official of the US State Department, Federico Klein, who worked during the former US President Donald Trump’s administration, has been formally charged for his participation in the protest-turned-riots at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, according to US media reports.

This is the first instance of a government official, who belonged to the former administration, being challenged in a court of law with regards to the Capitol violence, The Guardian reported. 

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According to the court documents, Klein was spotted wearing a hat with Trump’s symbolic phrase “Make America Great Again” amongst the large crowd that tried to force its way inside the Capitol building. 

Law enforcement authorities said that Klein was “physically and verbally engaged” with the security officials at the Capitol and forced his way through the doors of the building. 

Before being stopped by an officer, who used a chemical spray to contain the intruder, Klein stole a police shield and blocked the doors of the building as the security officials attempted to seal them shut, The Guardian reported.

Also Read: Capitol Riots: First trial to take place in May 2021

The indicted reportedly was employed in the office of Brazillian and Southern Cone affairs and later resigned on January 19, just a few days after the violent attack. 

Klein was taken into custody in Virginia on Thursday and faces multiple charges including conducting an assault of officers and obstructing the US Congress.