New York Federal agents have arrested the son of a New York judge on charges that he was among the demonstrators who invaded the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, the FBI said.
Aaron Mostofsky, 34, was picked up on Tuesday morning at his brother’s home in Brooklyn, about a week after he was seen wearing a fur costume and a police vest inside the Capitol.
Later in the day, he was to make a remote court appearance to face charges of stealing government property.
Mostofsky’s distinctive garb made him stand out from the crowd of flag-waving marauders wearing camouflage. At one point, sitting on a bench near the Senate chamber, he was photographed carrying a stick and a police riot shield he said he had picked up from the floor.
He also gave a video interview within the House, telling the New York Post that he was there “to express my opinion as a free American that this election was stolen.”
Mostofsky’s father, Brooklyn Judge Steven Mostofsky, has not commented on his son’s involvement in the mayhem in Washington.
Messages seeking comment have been left for the brother of Aaron Mostofsky, Nachman. He is the executive director of The Jewish Heritage Preservation Society, Chovevei Zion, and the vice president of the Conservative Club of South Brooklyn.
Nachman Mostofsky told Gothamist last week that his brother “did nothing illegal,” “was not part of the riot,” and was only in the Capitol because he was “pushed inside.”
Records show Aaron Mostofsky is a registered Democrat.