The former editor of a New York Jewish newspaper has been charged with assaulting a police officer as a mob stormed the American congress on January 6 2021.
Elliot Resnick was arrested in Manhattan on Thursday over accusations that he impeded law enforcement officers, engaged in civil disorder and entered a restricted building.
The 39-year-old edited The Jewish Press - a Orthodox newspaper that has previously published far-right rabbi Meir Kahane and president Ronald Regan - from March 2018 to June 2021, according to his LinkedIn profile.
On January 6, Resnick was part of a mob illegally massed outside the United States capitol building in Washington DC, America’s Department of Justice (DoJ) said Thursday.
Supporters of Donald Trump massed at the site following his defeat in the 2020 presidential election in an apparent attempt to prevent Congress from formalising the result.
When the crowd surged towards an entrance to the building Resnick allegedly followed, “repeatedly gesturing” for others to follow him.
When a line of law enforcement officials broke he allegedly grabbed the arm of an officer who was attempting to use a “chemical irritant” to control the mob, the DoJ said.
The statement adds: “Resnick was one of the first to push their way inside the Capitol through the East Rotunda Doors, entering at approximately 2:26 p.m.”
When Resnick entered the Capitol, it continued, Resnick pulled other rioters into the building.
He is alleged to have then entered several other areas, including the crypt, a hall, and an underground visitor’s centre.
“Resnick then stood at the threshold of the East Rotunda Doors, both of which were now fully open, and gestured and beckoned rioters outside to come inside,” it continues.
“Resnick clapped others on the back as he successfully helped them to enter. Resnick left the Capitol through the East Rotunda Doors at 3:14 p.m., having remained inside for approximately 50 minutes. Over an hour later, however, MPD body worn camera showed Resnick still walking around on restricted Capitol grounds.”
The January 6 riot triggered the House of Representatives to impeach President Trump for inciting an insurrection.
138 police officers were reportedly injured during the assault, while five people died, and almost $3 million of damage was caused.
Almost 500 rioters have since pleaded guilty to a variety of crimes linked to the event.
Elliot Resnick has been contacted for comment.
