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Newly-sworn in West Virginia Delegate Derrick Evans is facing federal charges after he reportedly filmed himself during the insurrection on the US Capitol that left at least four people dead and multiple officers injured.
Evans, a Republican and Trump supporter, reportedly recorded a Facebook Live video in which he was heard shouting “We’re in! We’re in baby!” while moving among a crowd of rioters as he walked through a doorway of the Capitol Rotunda.
The initial announcement of the charges against Evans came during a press briefing with acting U.S. Attorney Michael Sherwin for the District of Columbia.
“I just received word that we have now a signed complaint also against a Delegate who serves in the West Virginia Legislature. He has been charged — and, I think, according to reports had recorded himself storming the Capitol — he is charged with entering restricted area and entering the United States Capitol. That report is also being released today as well. That defendant’s name is Derrick Evans. Derrick Evans.”
A charge of entering restricted government buildings is a misdemeanor, punishable by fines and up to a year in prison, reports WVMetroNews. However, the punishment could increase significantly if “the offense results in significant bodily harm.”
U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., who was among the hundreds of elected leaders rushed to safety at the U.S. Capitol this week, earlier today said Evans should face the strongest charges possible.
“I guarantee the FBI will do their job. I don’t know the person. It’s very, very bad judgment. Very poor judgment,” Manchin said today on “580 Live” on WCHS Radio.
Evans is contending that he was just videoing history and swept along with the crowd. But his own video depicts him calling out “Move! Move!” before going through the Capitol door, as security alarms blare.
NEW: West Virginia lawmaker Derrick Evans, who livestreamed himself entering the U.S. Capitol, has been hit with criminal charges pic.twitter.com/Ez7yY2kjoF
— BNO News (@BNONews) January 8, 2021
More than 50,000 people have signed a petition demanding Evans be removed from office, while Democratic party leaders in West Virginia said Evans should resign and “be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law”.
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