A manhunt is underway in central New Jersey for Gregory Yetman, a man wanted in connection with the Jan. 6 riot at the United States Capitol. Law enforcement officers are searching for him after he fled his home, and nearby schools are on lockdown. Erin Nolan reported
Manhunt Underway in Central New Jersey for Capitol Riot Suspect
Law Enforcement Agencies Conduct Extensive Search for Gregory Yetman
A manhunt was launched on Wednesday by the F.B.I. and multiple local police departments in central New Jersey. The search was initiated to apprehend Gregory Yetman, who is wanted in connection with his involvement in the Jan. 6 riot at the United States Capitol. The F.B.I. released a photograph of Yetman participating in the attack that occurred two years ago.
Video footage captured by NBC News showed armed law enforcement officers conducting searches in the backyard of a home and a shed in Helmetta, a small suburban community in Middlesex County, New Jersey. The ongoing search, which involved a SWAT team, prompted nearby schools to take precautions and shelter in place, according to Helmetta’s Mayor, Christopher Slavicek.
The manhunt for Gregory Yetman began around 8 a.m. on Wednesday when law enforcement officers attempted to arrest him at his residence. Yetman managed to evade capture and fled into the nearby woods. Both the F.B.I. and local authorities declined to provide specific details regarding Yetman or the charges he is facing.
Nevertheless, earlier this year, USA Today reported that Yetman, a former military police sergeant in the New Jersey National Guard, had been interviewed by the F.B.I. in relation to his participation in the riot. The report suggested that Yetman was believed to have discharged a large canister of pepper spray at protesters and police officers during the event. In an interview with the newspaper, Yetman confirmed being present at the Capitol on Jan. 6 but denied any wrongdoing.
As the search for Gregory Yetman continued, Mayor Slavicek acknowledged a prevailing sense of heightened anxiety among the residents of Helmetta. The mayor described the scene with search helicopters flying at low altitudes and various law enforcement agencies actively patrolling the roads. Additionally, the F.B.I. established a command center at the local community center to coordinate the search efforts.
This is an ongoing and developing story that will be regularly updated.
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