A Michigan bodybuilder arrested by the FBI for allegedly assaulting police on Jan. 6 was a top target for online “sedition hunters” trying to identify people involved in the U.S. Capitol riot.
Logan J. Barnhart, a 40-year-old Lansing man, was charged with assaulting officers using a dangerous weapon, obstructing police, entering a restricted building, disrupting Congress and engaging in violence on restricted grounds. His arrest brings the total number of Michigan residents facing federal charges for their alleged involvement in the U.S. Capitol riot to 12.
The FBI released a photo of Barnhart wearing a grey sweatshirt with a Caterpillar company logo seven months ago in an effort to solicit the public’s help to identify him. The photo included a brief description explaining the suspect was being sought for dragging officers into a mob of rioters on the west side of the U.S. Capitol.
Online sleuths gave Barnhart the moniker “catsweat” in reference to his attire, and connected him to a private Instagram account owned by a Michigan bodybuilder. Barnhart’s Gab account included several videos showcasing his physique.
Videos and images collected from the riot allegedly show Barnhart using a flagpole to attack police officers.
Barnhart was arrested Tuesday by the FBI in Lansing, according to federal court documents.
Barnhart appeared in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sally J. Berens and was released on a $5,000 unsecured bond.
Under the conditions of his release, Barnhart agreed not to leave his home except for work, education, religious services or medical treament, abstain from alcohol and remove any firearms from his home. He was ordered to appear in Washington, D.C. on Aug. 25 for a court hearing.
In the seven months since Jan. 6, more than 570 people have been arrested for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including over 170 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.
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