A Western Pennsylvania woman has been arrested in connection to the January 6 insurrection at the United States Capitol.
Rachel Powell surrendered to the FBI in New Castle, Pennsylvania Thursday (February 4) night, officials confirmed to WPXI.
Powell was transported to Butler County Prison, a holding cell for federal inmates at around 1:00 a.m. and charged with obstruction, depredation of government property, restricted building or grounds with a dangerous weapon, restricted build or grounds and violent entry or disorderly conduct.
Her attorney, Michael Engle released the following statement to WPXI on Friday (February 5) afternoon:
"Rachel Powell is neither a danger to her community or a risk of flight. She hired counsel to assist her in turning herself in to the FBI and to address these charges. It is inconceivable that she would try to run and leave her children without their mother.”
Powell appeared in a hearing Friday afternoon but did not speak other than giving her name, WPXI reports. She is scheduled to appear at her next hearing next Tuesday (February 9) at 2:30 p.m. and will remain in custody at Butler County Prison until then.
Powell was spotted participating in the insurrection at the Capitol building last month wearing a pink hat and carrying a bullhorn. The FBI shared several photos of her on January 16 while seeking assistance identifying and locating her.
On January 6, protesters supporting former President Donald Trump stormed the United States Capitol amid the vote to certify then-President-elect Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 presidential election, which led to the death of five individuals and forced elected officials to evacuate the House and Senate chambers before later continuing session in the evening.
An announcement was made inside the Capitol ordering lawmakers to evacuate due to "an external security threat" as dozens of protesters forced their way inside the building, the Associated Press reports.
Both chambers were sent into recess and later resumed at around 8:00 p.m. EST to confirm the nomination of President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.
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