Feds: Radio Host Caught With Capitol Cop's Stolen Hat

Darrell Neely is facing numerous charges related to Jan. 6
By Arden Dier,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 19, 2021 10:10 AM CDT
Feds: Radio Host Caught With Capitol Cop's Stolen Hat
This photo allegedly shows Darrell Neely at the US Capitol during a riot on Jan. 6.   (FBI)

Federal authorities say a right-wing radio host stole a baseball cap worn by a US Capitol Police officer during the Jan. 6 riot, then wore it during a live airing of his show. Three witnesses at the Global Enlightenment Radio Network, run by Darrell Neely, told the FBI that Neely bragged about stealing items from an officer—including a dark-colored jacket featuring a silver badge, which he reportedly described as a "souvenir"—as well as china plates from inside the Capitol, in messages and video calls placed in the midst of the riot, according to an affidavit viewed by Law & Crime.

One witness, who saw Neely in person on Jan. 6, said he was "in possession of four china plates and a USCP jacket, badge, name tag, and baseball cap" and "boasted that he had attacked a USCP officer," the affidavit states. FBI agents who tuned in to livestreams of Neely's show in the days after the riot saw Neely wearing the cap, per the affidavit. It adds agents tracked down the officer to whom the hat belonged, who claimed his or her belongings disappeared after they were removed during "decontamination from lacrimal spray," meaning tear gas, per the Washington Post.

Neely—who's allegedly seen "holding a marijuana cigarette" in footage from inside the Capitol, per the Post—told agents that he only attended the riot to film because he believed the events to be newsworthy. Arrested Monday in Washington, DC, he's charged with theft of government property; entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly conduct inside a Capitol building; and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building. He was released from custody ahead of a federal court hearing on Tuesday. (More Capitol riot stories.)

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