Capitol riots: Rioter dies in motorcycle accident while awaiting trial

To this day, Congress is still reeling from the aftermath of the Capitol insurrection last January 6. With hundreds of the rioters arrested and pending trial, one particular rioter was already found dead from a motorcycle accident.

NBC4 Washington reporter Scott McFarlane reported Tuesday that Joseph Barnes from Texas, accused of participating in the January 6 insurrection, died from a motorcycle accident last month. Barnes was still awaiting trial following his arrest and was charged with unlawfully parading around the US Capitol. The rioter was allegedly seen among the mob of insurrectionists chanting “This is our house!” and was ultimately identified and arrested.

“Officers responded to a crash where a motorcycle driven by Joseph Cable Barnes ran the red light and collided with a 2015 Silver Toyota Avalon. Mr. Barnes was pronounced deceased on the scene. The driver of the Toyota was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries,” said the Austin Police Department.

Barnes is among many of the rioters awaiting trial for their involvement in the insurrection, with an investigation taking shape in Congress through House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s select committee. Last January 6, a mob of supporters of former US President Donald Trump with white nationalist militia groups stormed the Capitol in an attempt to derail Congress’ certification of Joe Biden’s election victory.

Five people were killed in the midst of the violence, and over 100 Capitol Police officers were left severely injured. The mob of insurrectionists was also targeting top Democrats, including Pelosi, as well as then-Vice President Mike Pence, who drew the ire of Trump upon refusing to overturn the electoral college votes.

More reports regarding the events that led to and after the riots have surfaced. The Washington Post reported Tuesday that some Capitol rioters, led by Fi Duong, formed a radical right-wing militia group disguised as a bible study group. In the group, Duong, who is from North Virginia, and his associates stockpiled explosives.

Duong is known for being the rioter that was seen shouting “We’re coming for you Nancy!” in footage shown by CNN of the insurrection that occurred. This follows a previous report that Duong and his group surveyed the Capitol for “weeks,” and the undercover agent was able to intercept his communications with the group.