MANAHAWKIN – A township man has been arrested after joining rioters who pushed police while attempting to force their way into the U.S. Capitol on January 6, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Larry Fife Giberson, 21, was charged with civil disorder, a felony and related misdemeanor offenses. He was taken into custody on March 14.
According to a press release, Giberson was one of several rioters who repeatedly used violence against law enforcement who were guarding the Lower West Terrace “tunnel” entrance to the Capitol.
Documents state that Giberson entered the tunnel around 3:10 p.m., and made his way towards the front of the pack of rioters. While at the front of the pack, he joined other rioters in a coordinated “heave-ho” pushing effort in an attempt to force their way into the building.
Officials said one officer was crushed between a door and a rioter’s shield as a result.
Shortly after, Giberson rushed to the tunnel entryway and began waving more rioters into the tunnel. Officials said he went back for a second round of coordinated pushing, however officers gained temporary control and pushed Giberson and fellow rioters out.
Rioters continued to battle to regain access and officials said Giberson watched as rioters assaulted and brutally injured the officer.
“After watching the intensifying violence in and around the tunnel, and after watching rioters drag one officer out of the tunnel and violently assault that officer, Giberson started yelling ‘DRAG THEM OUT!’ He then cheered as weapons and pepper spray were used against police officers in the tunnel,” the press release stated.
In an interview with the FBI, Giberson confirmed that he was the individual seen in several photographs and videos from January 6.
