FBI Arrests Man ID'd At Capitol Riot By Varsity Jacket

Byram Hills High School graduate Brian Gundersen faces charges connected to the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 that killed five.

In their criminal complaint, federal agents cited messages from him including on from Jan. 8: “we all stormed the us capital (sic) and tried to take over the government,” followed by “We failed but f— it."

He was identified by his clothes. Members of the community including the schools superintendent saw a Byram Hills jacket on one of the rioters in footage and photos and called the North Castle police, and Chief Peter Simonsen called the FBI. Other members of the community submitted tips to the FBI independently, according to the criminal complaint.

Gundersen played varsity football for Byram Hills, and wore number 70, the FBI said.

As the FBI interviewed witnesses, one said that Gundersen had described himself as part of a group disarming police officers of their riot shields on Jan. 6.

When he was interviewed by agents, he first said he had not entered the Capitol but later said he had gone inside for about 10 minutes.

The FBI said Gundersen sent a phone message on Jan. 7 sharing a picture of members of Congress taking cover during the attack on the U.S. Capitol. The agent alleged Gundersen wrote, “Look at these scared little bitches.”

The FBI was told that Gundersen was an avid supporter of former President Trump and a follower of right-wing commentator Nick Fuentes.

He faces federal charges of disorderly conduct and knowingly entering and remaining on restricted grounds.

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