Ex-FBI Agent Charged for Capitol Riot: Officials

Brandon DreyMay 4, 2023

Former FBI Agent Charged for Unlawfully Entering Capitol During Riot

A former FBI agent has been charged by the Justice Department for unlawfully entering the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021 riot. Jared Wise, who worked in the bureau from 2004 to 2017, was arrested on Monday and charged with four misdemeanor counts, including allegedly threatening police during the riot.

Video Surveillance Shows Wise Entering Capitol

According to court documents, video surveillance shows Wise entering the Capitol around 2:23 p.m. through the Senate wing door. Once inside, the former federal agent “clapped his hands and raised his arms in triumph” until he continued through the crypt and past the Memorial Door, FBI testimony says. He eventually exited through a window near the Senate wing at approximately 2:32 p.m., court documents say.

Allegedly Threatened Authorities and Instigated Violence

Less than two hours later, Capitol Police body-worn cameras captured footage showing Wise allegedly threatening authorities as some members of the crowd clashed with law enforcement. “You guys are disgusting,” Wise said, according to court documents. “I’m former — I’m former law enforcement. You’re disgusting. You are the Nazi. You are the Gestapo. You can’t see it. . . . Shame on you! Shame on you! Shame on you!” Court documents allege Wise then began turning toward the direction of officers knocked to the ground, instigating violence among the crowd. “Yeah, f*** them! Yeah, kill ‘em!” Wise allegedly said.

Wise Released Pending Trial

Wise made his initial court appearance Monday in U.S. District Court in Oregon. Authorities released the former FBI agent pending a trial, which authorities moved to federal court in Washington, D.C., where he is scheduled to appear on May 9.

Anonymous Tip Led to Wise’s Arrest

FBI Special Agent Jessica Stone said in court documents that authorities received an anonymous tip more than a year after the riot claiming Wise had entered the Capitol. Through a court-ordered search warrant, Stone said the bureau obtained Wise’s cell phone records from AT&T for cell towers providing service to the United States Capitol.

Joining a List of Law Enforcement Officials Facing Charges

Wise joins a list of at least 19 active and former members of law enforcement, including an ex-Drug Enforcement Agent, a former NYPD officer, and two off-duty Virginia police officers, who face changes related to the Capitol riot, according to reports.