Former Florida congressional candidate accused of orchestrating transportation for Capitol rioters
A former Florida Congressional candidate was arrested this week on charges related to the insurrection on the U.S. Capitol.
The U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) probable cause documents identified Jeremy Brown as the man involved in orchestrating the transport, according to WTSP. The other suspect arrested with Brown claimed to have used a rideshare app to travel to the former Republican candidate's location in Washington, D.C. on January 4. At that time, they were discussing transportation plans for others trying to get to the Capitol. Group chat messages sent on Dec. 23, 2020 also uncovered more details about their plans.
"We have a RV an Van going. Plenty of Gun Ports left to fill. We can pick you up."
Brown is also said to have referred to his RV as "ground force one." Then, a Jan. 1 message also included more details about the plot.
"GROUND FORCE ONE Departure Plan:
If you can, come to my house anytime Saturday. You can stop by and drop stuff off, or stay the night. This way we can load plan, route plan, and conduct PCIs (Pre Combat Inspections)."
The federal agency also confirmed it had photos and videos to back its accusations toward Brown.
Dressed in full military gear, Brown also said to carried "surgical trauma shears, tactical gear and zip ties on his body."
As part of the investigation, the DOJ noted the media it had as record of Brown's whereabouts on or before January 6. In the documents, an investigator wrote that one image cajpturd Brown "within at least 100 feet of the restricted grounds that had been set up for the electoral certification. As Capitol police worked to push back the advancing crowd, body camera video reportedly showed Brown only retreating when pushed with baton sticks."
Federal Election Commission records indicate that Brown had completed the paperwork required to run for office as a a Republican in Florida's 14th Congressional District. However, Brown did not appear on the ballot because he dropped out of the race months prior to Election Day.
Brown is currently facing two charges including "knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted area and intending to impede or disrupt the orderly conduct of government business or official functions."
