By Craig Anderson

WILMINGTON — A man with Delaware roots has been charged with federal crimes connected to the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

While Anthony Antonio’s attorney said his client “was trying to be a peacemaker” during the incident, a Federal Bureau of Investigation agent presented an affidavit alleging offenses including violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.
Mr. Antonio was described by his attorney Joe Hurley as having grown up in Kent County and currently living out of state.

Other charges included obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder, destruction of government property, obstruction of an official proceeding and aiding and abetting, and knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority.

According Mr. Hurley, Mr. Antonio was attempting to assist police when the violence erupted, using a bullhorn and “blocking the advance of the mob by using force to stand between the mob and police.”

Mr. Antonio’s actions were all captured on video, Mr. Hurley said.

“After all is said and done, he will be regarded with respect and admiration — that I guarantee,” he said.

Multiple videos showed Mr. Antonio in several different areas of the Lower West Terrace of the Capitol Building, according to the FBI agent in an affidavit. The affidavit said the videos assisted the investigation while identifying him during several sequences as the incident unfolded.

In January, Kevin Seefried and his son Hunter Seefried, both Laurel residents, were each charged with single counts of knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds and depredation of government property, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.