On Monday, a retired NYPD officer surrendered to the FBI’s Hudson Valley Field Office for attacking a Capitol police officer with a metal flagpole during the riots in Washington D.C. on January 6.
On Tuesday, Thomas Webster, 54, appeared in White Plains federal court where prosecutors said he attacked a Capitol policeman with an aluminum pole, according to News 4.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Gianforti, there is video footage of the attack showing Webster “clear as day” with “a look of pure rage” on his face.
“These videos shock the conscience,” Gianforti said while alleging that Webster “goes after that cop like a junkyard dog — teeth clenched and fists clenched.”
The complaint alleges that Webster can be seen cursing at the officer and aggressively shoving a medical barricade into the officer. He then charges toward the officer, striking him several times. The officer attempts to retreat but is tackled to the ground by Webster.
Webster attempted to wrestle the officer’s face shield and gas mask off, but the helmet stayed in place thanks to a chin strap. According to the officer, at this point, he began to choke.
Defense attorney James Monroe said Webster offered monitoring and travel restrictions to keep Webster out of jail pending trial. The lawyer asked that Webster be released on an unsecured bond. He said Webster plans to plead not guilty to the charges. U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew E. Krause ordered him held without bail.
During his time with the NYPD, Webster worked perimeter security at Gracie Mansion, where the mayor resides, and City Hall.
