New Suspect In Capitol Riot With MA Ties Identified: FBI

PITTSFIELD, MA — The FBI on Wednesday released new photos of a man wanted in connection to the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot who may live in or near Massachusetts.

The photos show a man with gray hair wearing a black sweatshirt that bears the logo of Berkshire Nautilus, a gym located in downtown Pittsfield. The man may have assaulted federal officers during the riot, the FBI said.

"We are asking the public to take a close look at these photos and to reach out to us if you know who this man is," Joseph R. Bonavolonta, special agent in charge of the FBI Boston office, said in a news release. "We believe he was involved in a violent assault on federal officers and no amount of information is too small or irrelevant."

If found, the man could become the seventh Massachusetts resident charged in connection to the Capitol riot. The most recent came in June, when FBI agents arrested Chase Allen at his home in Seekonk. Others charged include Natick Town Meeting member Suzanne Ianni, who is also a member of the group Super Happy Fun America (SHFA). SFHA vice president Mark Sahady, a Malden resident, has also been arrested and charged.

The Jan. 6 riot happened after a rally held by former president Donald Trump, who encouraged his supporters to march to the Capitol to protest the certification of the 2020 election. Scores of supporters broke into the building, leading to violence as protesters collided with police. Rioter Ashli Babbitt was shot and killed by a Capitol police officer; one participant died of an amphetamine overdose, and two others died of heart attacks.

More than 130 police officers were injured, and four committed suicide in the wake of the attack. Capitol police officer Brian Sicknick, 42, died after suffering several strokes after he was injured in the riot.

According to the FBI, the new suspect with possible ties to Massachusetts is approximately 5'11" to 6'1" tall, about 225 pounds, and has white hair and brown eyes. He is likely in his mid-50s. Anyone with information can contact the FBI tip line.