Colorado Springs man faces charges for involvement in January 6th riot

· Jul. 8, 2022, 7:08 pm

Capitol Breach The Road to Riot — FILE - In this Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021 file photo, Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier at the Capitol in Washington. Right-wing extremism has previously mostly played out in isolated pockets of America or in smaller cities. In contrast, the deadly attack by rioters on the U.S. Capitol targeted the very heart of government. It brought together members of disparate groups, creating the opportunity for extremists to establish links with each other. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)

A Colorado Springs man who worked as a pastor is facing felony and misdemeanor charges for his role in the January 6th riot at the U.S. Capitol last year.

Tyler Ethridge's charges include one count of felony civil disorder and five misdemeanor-related offenses. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia said Ethridge helped remove a fence and illegally entered the U.S. Capitol building with rioters. Ethridge climbed a media scaffolding and encouraged the crowd to keep moving, according to prosecutors. He filmed videos and posted them on social media during the riot.

Authorities say Ethridge remained active on social media after January 6th. He wrote in a post dated September 24, 2021, “Don’t be afraid of what they sentence you with. I’m not. I’m ready for whatever I’ll be charged with. America is still primed and ready.”

Ethridge was a pastor at Christ-Centered Church of Tampa. Following the attack, the church announced on Facebook that Ethridge no longer worked there.

Ethridge was arrested in Denver Thursday and appeared in court on Friday. At least 14 Coloradans have been arrested in connection with the Jan. 6th riot.

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