As Impeachment Nears End, Federal Inquiry Looms as Reminder of Trump’s Role in Riot
For example, on December 27, Mr. Nordian posted on the social media site Peller, according to a criminal complaint, asking for donations to purchase protective gear and communications equipment. Shortly before the riots, prosecutors said, he also talked about the Proud Boys scheme in disguise in Washington, not his distinctive dark-yellow colors.
In a similar vein, prosecutors have stated that there is evidence that Ms. Watkins and two other sworn officers charged her, Thomas E. Caldwell and Donovan Croul premeditated the attack.
A former Navy officer, Mr. Caldwell, 66 years old, advised his fellow militia members to stay at a special Comfort Inn in the Washington suburbs, noting that it provided a good basis for “hunting at night” – A clear reference to pursuing the left worker. Ms. Watkins, 38, installed a communication system for use in the attack on the chatting app Zello, prosecutors said.
In the text messages received by the FBI, the three oath-mongers greet in anticipation – even reception – in the post-conflict period. In a message from November 16, Mr. Kroll tells Mr. Caldwell, “War is on the horizon.” On another day, Mr. Caldwell told Ms. Watkins that he was “concerned about the future of our country.” Then, court papers say, he says “I believe we have to be violent to stop it.”
On December 29, Ms. Watkins wrote to Mr. Crowl about the January 6 incident in Washington.
“Trump wants to let all able patriots come,” he said, adding, “If Trump activated the Insurance Act, I would hate to miss it.”
According to Mr. Pezzola, his lawyer said he had committed betrayal.
“He moved to Washington because Trump asked him to save the country,” Mr. Zucker said. “Then he was arrested and Trump went to play golf.”
Adam goldman Contributed to reporting.
