PA Man Attacked Police, AP Photographer In Capitol Riots: FBI

PENNSYLVANIA — A Pennsylvania man is in custody in connection with the U.S. Capitol Riots on Jan. 6, after federal authorities said he was responsible for an attack on an Associated Press photographer.

Alan Byerly, 54, of Fleetwood in Berks County, faces numerous felony charges, including assault on a federal officer.

A careful review of video footage identified Byerly as the man standing near a police line at around 2:10 p.m. that day, according to charging documents.

Authorities said that Byerly eventually activated that taser and then charged at police. Video shows other officers yelling "taser! taser!" as they wrestle the weapon away from Byerly, according to the documents.

Byerly then continued to shove against and swing at officers, before he was eventually restrained, officials said. He escaped shortly thereafter with the help of another rioter.

Earlier in the day, Byerly was also part of a group that attacked a photographer with the Associated Press, documents detail. The photographer — clearly wearing identification as a member of the press — was dragged down a staircase near the western side of the Capitol while Byerly watched, according to officials. Byerly then joined several other individuals in shoving and dragging the photographer to another part of the riot.

In the six months since the riot, the FBI has arrested more than 500 people, including 100 who have been accused of assaulting police officers.

Pennsylvanians account for at least 49 of the arrested individuals.