Latest Entry in Race Is Rioter Who Took Pelosi's Lectern

A Florida man who posed for photos after taking House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's lectern during the Capitol riot has filed for public office in Florida. Election records show Adam Johnson filed Tuesday—the fifth anniversary of the attack—as a Republican to run for an at-large seat on the Manatee County Commission. Johnson gained national attention after a photograph showing him smiling and carrying the lectern from Pelosi's office during the breach of the Capitol circulated, the Hill reports. Johnson later was convicted of charges connected to the riot and sentenced to 75 days in prison, a year's probation, and community service.

Johnson's campaign site says that he wants to "bring MAGA principles to county government" and that he will target what he describes as local corruption. He is expected to face at least four other Republican candidates in the race. Johnson was among more than 1,500 people prosecuted in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, attack; nearly all were pardoned a year ago by President Trump on his first day back in office. "I will be more heavily scrutinized than any other candidate who is running in this race," Johnson said, per the AP.