Authorities are searching for Gregory Yetman, a suspect in the January 6 attack on the US Capitol, who fled as FBI agents approached his home in New Jersey. The FBI has set up a command operation and is joined by other law enforcement agencies in the search. Yetman, a former military police sergeant, denies wrongdoing and firing pepper spray. Over 1,200 people have been charged in connection with the Capitol riot. Associated Press reported
HELMETTA, N.J. – The authorities initiated a search in a central New Jersey neighborhood on Thursday for an individual suspected of being involved in the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6. The suspect, Gregory Yetman, managed to escape as FBI agents approached his residence.
According to the FBI, Gregory Yetman is wanted in connection with the January 6th attack on the US Capitol. The specific charges he faces in relation to the attack have not been disclosed at this time.
The FBI’s Newark office released a statement on Thursday morning, stating that they will remain in the area until Yetman is apprehended. In order to coordinate the search operation, the FBI has established a command center at the local community center.
Law enforcement officers from state, county, and local police departments are collaborating with the FBI in the search for Gregory Yetman.
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According to Helmetta’s mayor, Christopher Slavicek, the search for Yetman commenced at 8 a.m. on Wednesday when FBI agents arrived to arrest him. Yetman managed to escape and disappeared into the nearby woods. The entire Helmetta community has been on edge as the search effort unfolds.
Mayor Slavicek described the scene, mentioning the presence of search helicopters flying at low altitudes and various law enforcement agencies patrolling the roads in the area.
Earlier this year, USA Today reported that Gregory Yetman, identified as a former military police sergeant in the New Jersey National Guard, was interviewed by the FBI regarding his involvement in the Capitol riot. He is suspected of deploying pepper spray against protesters and law enforcement officers, although he denies these allegations.
To date, approximately 1,200 individuals have been charged with federal crimes related to the Capitol riot. Of those, more than 800 have either pleaded guilty or been convicted, and over 700 individuals have already received sentences ranging from three days to 22 years of imprisonment.
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