Proud Boys’ Dominic ‘Spaz’ Pezzola arrested following Capitol riot in D.C.
On Friday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office out of Washington D.C. announced the arrest of a man from New York State who was charged with unlawful entry, destruction of government property and obstruction of an official proceeding in connection with the January 6 riot and insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
Dominic Pezzola, 43, also known as “Spaz” and “Spazzo,” of Rochester, New York, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of obstruction of an official proceeding, one count of destruction of government property, and one count of knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority.
Pezzola was identified as the man shown in a video breaking windows at the building with a see-through riot shield, according to federal prosecutors. Pezzola is also accused of being part of a group of people at the Capitol who said they would kill Vice President Mike Pence and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi if they could find the two … ~ Syracuse.com
Following a hearing in the Western District of New York, Pezzola was ordered detained.
The affidavit in support of criminal complaint alleges that Pezzola unlawfully gained entry to the U.S. Capitol on January 6 by breaking a window in the U.S. Capitol with a U.S. Capitol Police shield, as an individual in the crowd yelled “Go Go Go,” before entering the Capitol building.
The affidavit also alleges that a video posted from inside the Capitol shows Pezzola smoking a cigar inside the building. In that video, Pezzola can be heard saying words to the effect of, “Victory smoke in the Capitol, boys. This is f***ing awesome. I knew we could take this mother***er over [if we] just tried hard enough.”
The affidavit alleges that Pezzola was photographed in December 2020, at rallies in Washington, D.C., that included individuals wearing clothing consistent with the “Proud Boys.”
Pezzola was seen in many photos of the event with a Proud Boys t-shirt on, a U.S. Marine Corps-logo button on his chest, and an “0351” tattoo on his right arm signifying the Infantry Assault Marine military occupational specialty. ~ The Daily Beast
At some point, after the incident at the Capitol had ended, the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint alleges that Pezzola bragged about breaking the windows to the Capitol with a Capitol Police shield.
The affidavit also alleges that Pezzola and others stated that they would have killed anyone they got their hands on, including Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Michael Pence.
The affidavit alleges that, in the days after the event, members of the group said that the group would return to Washington, D.C., and kill every single “m-fer” they could.
WHEC in Rochester reported that Pezzola graduated from The Aquinas Institute of Rochester, a private Catholic school, in 1995. One classmate shared that although Pezzola wasn’t strong academically, he was a gifted athlete and student boxer.
But in recent years, his classmates said he grew increasingly angry.
His classmate says his posts were alt-right and inflammatory, so much so he unfriended him.
Pezzola served in the Marines after high school and was reportedly proud of his service, but while he may have been a success in the service, he apparently was less so in civilian life. ~ WHEC
The ATF and FBI continue to urge the public to report suspected use of explosive devices, or violent, destructive acts associated with the recent unrest. Anyone with information can call 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email ATFTips@atf.gov or submit information anonymously via ReportIt.com.
The FBI is looking for individuals who may have incited or promoted violence of any kind. Anyone with digital material or tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or submit images or videos at fbi.gov/USCapitol.
(Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Columbia)
~ Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Follow Richard on Facebook and Twitter
