DC Riots: South King County Man Faces Federal Charges

RENTON, WA — A Renton-area man was arrested and charged in federal court Wednesday on suspicion of criminal involvement in the Jan. 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol.

Court documents name Ethan Nordean, 30, who prosecutors said is a self-described "Sergeant of Arms" in the Seattle chapter of the Proud Boys, using the alias "Rufio Panman." He faces charges including obstructing or impeding an official proceeding, aiding and abetting, knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building, violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.

Nordean was scheduled to appear before a federal judge in Seattle Wednesday afternoon.

According to prosecutors, Nordean made several posts on Parler leading up to the Jan. 6 insurrection, attempting to organize participation and soliciting donations for protective gear and other equipment. Two days before the riots, prosecutors said he posted a video with a caption that read "Let them remember the day they decided to make war with us."

The U.S. Attorney's office also cited an hour-long video podcast clip with Nordean and another Proud Boys member claiming rampant voter fraud and planning to go "incognito" on Jan. 6, forgoing the Proud Boys' usual black and yellow garb.

Federal charging documents include screenshots from news clips and numerous photos of a man believed to be Nordean inside the Capitol.

Prosecutors write:

"It is alleged that Nordean was observed marching at the front of a group of known Proud Boys shortly before the riot began. It is further alleged that Nordean was among those who entered the U.S. Capitol building after rioters, including certain persons associated with the Proud Boys, forced entry into the Capitol by means of destruction of Federal property. It is also alleged that Nordean was near the front of the crowd of rioters, who collectively approached, confronted, and vastly outnumbered Capitol Police."

The U.S. Attorney's Office said the charges carry a combined maximum sentence of more than 30 years in prison.

Nordean is the latest Washingtonian to face federal charges stemming from the Jan. 6 riots, following the arrest of a Seattle man in January who is accused of punching a Capitol police officer. The Seattle Police Department said at least five of its officers traveled to Washington, D.C., but an investigation is ongoing into whether any participated in illegal activities.