HOUSTON – KPRC 2 has learned a suspect tied to the Capitol riots will face federal charges in Houston Friday.
Joshua R. Lollar was arrested in Spring on Friday, according to court documents.
He is charged with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority and impeding or disrupting official functions, obstructing or impeding law enforcement officer during civil disorder and obstructing federally protection function and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds, according to a complaint filed with U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
See also: Houston police officer resigns after being accused of penetrating Capitol, HPD says
The federal complaint against Lollar includes photos and screen grabs that investigators say show Lollar “clashing with and overtaking police officers.” Federal agents said Lollar was at the leading edge of the angry mob that attempted to push past a line of law enforcement officers who were dressed in riot control gear.
A former co-worker who follows him on social media turned him into federal authorities. KPRC 2 Legal Analyst Brian Wice said Lollar’s social media and comments are crucial pieces of evidence in the government’s case against him.
“Remember that anything you put on social media is out there and it’s out there forever,” Wice said.
One of those posts appears with the caption “inside the Capitol.” Part of the caption from another read “it’s about to get spicey in her boi!”
According to court papers, bodycam footage from one of the police officers shows a man believed to be Lollar wearing a gas mask, black-gloved and a tan-colored body armor vest.
FBI agents showed up at Lollar’s home in Spring earlier this week. Lollar let them search his phone and agents got a warrant for his Facebook account. Records show he posted the following: “Just got gassed and fought with cops that I never thought would happen ... I don’t know what we can do, but I’m trying my best to get it done peaceful. We can’t loose (sic) our America.”
Lollar appeared before a federal judge Friday afternoon. He will remain in custody for the time being. There’s another hearing set for Tuesday morning. Federal prosecutors say Lollar has a history of psychological issues and told investigators he has guns. They’re concerned about releasing him on bond until they can determine where those guns are located.
