By Sarah N. Lynch
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – James Ray Epps, is facing a criminal misdemeanor charge for his role in the Jan. 6 riot on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of former President Donald Trump.
Epps, an Arizona man, is facing one count of disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, according to a charging document filed in federal court in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 18.
According to NBC news, Epps became infamous after telling individuals at the Capitol in the days leading up to the January 6 riot, “We need to go into the Capitol,” and later admitting over text that he was among those who “orchestrated” the event.
Reuters could not immediately determine who is representing Epps.
Epps, a Trump supporter and former Marine, has repeatedly been accused by Trump’s supporters and by former Fox News host Tucker Carlson of being an undercover government informant – a claim that both he and the FBI have denied.
Earlier this year, Epps sued Fox News for defamation, saying that Fox and Carlson spread lies that have “destroyed” his life.
“Epps was not a federal agent. He was a loyal Fox viewer and Trump supporter,” the lawsuit says.
(Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; editing by Timothy Gardner)
