34-year-old Brett Alan Rotella from Kannapolis was arrested on Tuesday (8/29/23) on felony and misdemeanor charges relating to the January 6th insurrection.
Charges include assaulting law enforcement, obstruction during civil disorder, and unlawfully entering restricted buildings, according to the Department of Justice.
The official criminal complaint features numerous images from Jan. 6th videos showing Rotella attacking police.
You can see Rotella in this video clip being the first one to charge the police inside “the tunnel” after being sprayed with pepper spray:
Authorities say Rotella played a conspicuous role during the riot, pushing police barricades, leading rioters, and entering the Capitol building, known as “the tunnel.” Inside, he engaged physically with the police and utilized a ladder in an attempt to breach a police line.
Rotella was arrested on August 29, 2023, and had his initial court appearance in the Western District of North Carolina. The FBI identified him as BOLO #82 from their seeking information photos. Since January 6, 2021, over 1,106 individuals have been arrested nationwide related to the Capitol breach, with over 350 charged with assaulting law enforcement.
The case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, with assistance from other relevant departments. Tips related to the case can be directed to the FBI.