The chills and horrors of the Capitol riots are still fresh among Americans. For the unversed, on January 6, 2021, following the defeat of U.S. President Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election, a mob of his supporters attacked the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. The mob sought to keep Trump in power by preventing a joint session of Congress from counting the electoral college votes to formalize the victory of President-elect Joe Biden. Among thousands of protestors or let's say Trump supporters one man caught the attention of everyone and he was a man wearing a Panda head. Two years after the infamous Capitol riots, nearly 1,000 people have been arrested nationwide and on Monday, the 'Sedition Panda' was arrested by the FBI as well. Now, the question arises who is Sedition Panda?
Who Sedition Panda accused in Capitol riots?
As per Fox, the FBI on Monday arrested a man who allegedly stormed the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, riots while wearing a panda costume over his head. The 'Sedition Panda' named Jesse James Rumson was arrested on several charges including obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder, entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and engaging in physical violence in the Capitol grounds or buildings, among other offenses.
How FBI identified Sedition Panda?
As per the FBI's statement in the complaint, investigators identified Sedition Panda based on the footage of the headpiece both on and off throughout the riot. As per reports, the individual in the headpiece was allegedly seen in footage entering the Capitol and roaming the interior halls. Investigators identified Rumson leaving the Capitol less than 15 minutes later without the panda costume. The complaint further alleges that Rumson was heard yelling “GET A RAM!” as he stood near the Senate wing door just before the door was breached for a second time. He later assaulted a police officer, grabbing the officer’s face shield, the FBI affidavit alleges. Rumson was arrested in Florida on Monday.
US Capitol Riots
According to the House select committee investigating the incident, the attack was the culmination of a seven-part plan by Trump to overturn the election. Five people died either shortly before, during, or following the event: one was shot by Capitol Police, another died of a drug overdose, and three died of natural causes.[22][30] Many people were injured, including 138 police officers. Four officers who responded to the attack died by suicide within seven months. As of July 7, 2022, monetary damages caused by attackers exceed $2.7 million.
Americans react to Sedition Panda arrest
A user wrote, "A man who stormed the capitol on January 6th while dressed as a bear has been arrested by the FBI. If convicted, Jesse James Rumson, the so-called "Sedition Panda," could face several years in prison where authorities will closely monitor if he's able to mate in captivity."
A man who stormed the capitol on January 6th while dressed as a bear has been arrested by the FBI. If convicted, Jesse James Rumson, the so-called "Sedition Panda," could face several years in prison where authorities will closely monitor if he's able to mate in captivity. pic.twitter.com/7xFQJADAdq
— Jarrett Bellini (@JarrettBellini) February 27, 2023
"Jesse James Rumson, a Donald Trump supporter" wrote another user.
Jesse James Rumson, a Donald Trump supporter pic.twitter.com/BvUs2ZXLAB
— elo3852 (@elo3852) February 28, 2023