Cape May Man Among Those Arrested Amid Capitol Hill Riots

CAPE MAY, NJ — A South Jersey man is among the protesters who have been arrested for storming the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, according to police records.

Leonard Guthrie, of Cape May, is charged with unlawful entry, the U.S. Capitol police said in a press statement Thursday. Authorities did not release his age.

Leonard Guthrie told NJAdvance Media he thought he would be participating in a peaceful protest where he would be able to “pray for honesty and integrity” on the steps of the US Capitol. He was arrested for crossing a police barrier on the Capitol grounds, he said.

Guthrie told NJ Advance Media that "nobody should have died that day” and that he “just wanted to be heard,” he said, adding, “I doubt I’ll ever do anything like that again.”

Guthrie told NBC10 he wasn’t among the pro-Trump mob who entered the building, describing what he did as “civil disobedience” while condemning the Trump supporters who stormed the Capitol.

“It was stupid,” Guthrie told the station. “You know, that’s not what this was about. This was about revival. It wasn’t about kicking doors.”

The Capitol police reported at least 10 arrests for unlawful entry, and four people charged with assaulting police or firearms charges.

Wednesday's mayhem overwhelmed Capitol Police, who evacuated members of Congress as violence escalated, and a California woman was shot to death. Three other deaths were reported around the Capitol grounds. D.C.'s police chief said one woman and two men suffered fatal medical emergencies, but did not elaborate.

On Thursday, the FBI asked for tips and digital media from the rioting and violence that can to lead agents to the D.C. rioters. The agency said anyone who saw unlawful violent actions is asked to submit their information, photos or videos at fbi.gov/USCapitol. Witnesses also can call -800-CALL-FBI (1-‪800-225-5324) to report tips.