Former Police Officer Involved in U.S. Capitol Riot Behind Bars After Purchasing 37 Guns; Says ‘Violence’ is Better Than ‘Peaceful Protest'

After he was fired and arrested for storming the United States Capitol, a Virginia police officer was jailed once again Wednesday by a federal judge for purchasing a large stockpile of guns and ammunition and posting online, supporting future political violence.

Thomas Robertson was one of the first rioters charged by the Justice Department in relation to the January 6 U.S. Capitol riot. Robertson, a retired Army reservist, later worked as a police officer for the Rocky Mount Police Department.

According to KTEN, Robertson was released in January after storming the Capitol but he was re-arrested this month after investigators found out that the former police officer had a rifle and bomb-making material in his home. Authorities also discovered that Robertson recently purchased 37 guns in an online shop.

Based on the decision from Judge Christopher Cooper, Thomas Robertson would be staying behind bars until his case would be resolved. The case could take months or even drag into 2022.

Meanwhile, Robertson's lawyer said the former Virginia police officer was currently in solitary confinement, for his own safety, as he was a former member of the force. Robertson pleaded not guilty to four counts, which included felony obstruction of congressional proceedings.

Moreover, Cooper wrote in a ruling: "There is probable cause to believe that Robertson committed a felony -- willfully shipping or transporting firearms and ammunition despite being under felony indictment."

Cooper concluded in his ruling that there was no way to protect the American public without keeping Robertson behind bars. Judge Christopher Cooper also stated that the procurement made by the defendant in the case of these dangerous firearms under the surrounding circumstances heightens the risk to public safety.

Increasing Arsenal

The case highlighted the continued political violence from supporters of former President Donald Trump. Prosecutors stated that Robertson called for more violence after the January 6 Capitol riot. The former police officer allegedly posted online, stating, "the only voice these people will now listen to is violence," so people should "buckle armor or just stay at home."

After he posted the message online, prosecutors mentioned that Robertson started to purchase more weapons on the internet.

Robertson allegedly posted on an online gun forum last month that what he had learned during the Capitol riot was that if you peacefully protest, you would still be arrested, fired, and even put on a no-fly list.

The judge in the case of Robertson ruled these notes as pieces of evidence as they occurred at the same time Robertson went on a shopping spree for high-powered assault weapons. Prosecutors stated that he allegedly spent about $16,000 on the guns in just a two-month span.

Cooper emphasized in his 14-page ruling that during and in the aftermath of the riot, Robertson has expressed remorselessness and endorsed in the public future political violence.

Robertson's lawyers argued unsuccessfully for his release despite claiming that he was just an antique gun lover.

This article is owned by Latin Post

Written by Jess Smith

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