WOW: Was there a plan to take hostages? This man is carrying police-style zip-tie handcuffs. And mace(?)
Can we find more footage of this man?
People may recall the plot that the FBI disrupted a plot to storm the Michigan government and kidnap @GovWhitmer. detroitnews.com
Some are pointing out that this looks a lot like a pistol. We need more footage.
Here's the full source for the image by @WinMc. Looks like its part of a series. Has anyone seen others?
Markings he is wearing: a Tennessee thin blue line PVC patch, an "AR Flag" trucker cap, Punisher Flag PVC patch...
Found the only other one of this guy published by Getty. thanks to @nhfruchter who found the Getty series.
Side view of his AR Flag hat confirms my suspicion that its from @blckriflecoffee. Logo now visible.
This guy is really hitting all the notes for tying to look like current former LE/MIL.
This guy is really hitting all the notes for tying to look like current former LE/MIL.
ANOTHER man with zip ties in the Senate spotted by @supergregg68. Feeling more and more like this was coordinated.
More shots of #2 Zip Tie guy. What was the plan that failed here?
About this sporrt/tactical holster & whats in it. If you are familiar with gear, please reply with your take.
Context: these are not normal zip ties, they are carrying double restraints, often called 'flex cuffs.'
Got a thread tracking the organized entry of what I'm calling "Group 2" (the masked, organized men that keep showing up in footage).
People are pointing out that men in background of the pictures are also up to something .One of them is kneeling and doing something to the door. Were they trying to barricade themselves in the chamber?
Another picture of Man 2 w/temporary restraints was just flagged to me. Looking for more pics of this man and his face. Can we identify some of his patches?
Source: vice
Source: vice
Trying to find more footage of purple sweatshirt & red hoodie front carrying this backpack.
For Man #2 with temporary restraints we have an ID on a Texas Punisher Vynl patch. Others outstanding:
-Eagle (or vulture?) patch on the center of his plate
-Red patch w/ gold edging looks VERY military.
-Helmet patch.
Please help.
-Eagle (or vulture?) patch on the center of his plate
-Red patch w/ gold edging looks VERY military.
-Helmet patch.
Please help.
We are getting closer...
Attention: military aviators & Airplane geeks, can you identify this gold and red flight tag worn by the man carrying temporary restraints?
Also looking for help with the bird patch.
Attention: military aviators & Airplane geeks, can you identify this gold and red flight tag worn by the man carrying temporary restraints?
Also looking for help with the bird patch.
BREAKING: I've ID'd man #2 w/restraints in Senate (moderate/high confidence) and am referring directly to Law Enforcement
-Ex. military officer & has just pulled his social media.
-His insignia matches his military record.
Thx for help of many folks here! esp @JohnHultquist
-Ex. military officer & has just pulled his social media.
-His insignia matches his military record.
Thx for help of many folks here! esp @JohnHultquist
The troubling picture is coming into focus: multiple people on front lines of breaching the senate chamber were ex military. At least one carried restraints.
Onwards to identifying Males #1 & #2. Please help.
Onwards to identifying Males #1 & #2. Please help.
Many have asked. I have referred Male #2's name and details to the @FBI and will not be naming him right now.
However, I believe you should know that his bio includes:
-longtime security clearance
-graduate of a military academy
-Senior officer's rank at retirement
However, I believe you should know that his bio includes:
-longtime security clearance
-graduate of a military academy
-Senior officer's rank at retirement
A reminder of what we know about Male #1
-temporary restraints
-Sidearm
-@blckriflecoffee cap
-Punisher flag & Tennessee thin blue line patch
-Mace-type canister
Need: pics of him entering & exiting #CapitolBuilding, on grounds, brand of camo, face.
-temporary restraints
-Sidearm
-@blckriflecoffee cap
-Punisher flag & Tennessee thin blue line patch
-Mace-type canister
Need: pics of him entering & exiting #CapitolBuilding, on grounds, brand of camo, face.
Ex-military officer who went to the Senate Floor w/restraints also spotted exiting @SpeakerPelosi office (prior to her nameplate being broken, so "early-ish").
Eagle-eyed @engelsjk caught his exit from her office at ~2:40 in @robertmooreitv's footage.
Eagle-eyed @engelsjk caught his exit from her office at ~2:40 in @robertmooreitv's footage.
Multiple ppl have helped me determine that Male #1 is wearing a camo pattern from @kryptekoutdoors called "Typhoon". I examined their offerings and think that he is wearing an ensemble of the "Tactical 2 Pant" and the "Tactical 3 LS Zip" Thx @MattDevost et al!
WOW @blckriflecoffee blocked me after after I discovered Male 1 was wearing their "AR Flag" cap.
I was just combing their socials for pics of the individual. Fellow investigators: Please pick up where I left off on that.
I was just combing their socials for pics of the individual. Fellow investigators: Please pick up where I left off on that.
ANOTHER! w/restraints. May be unrelated. Individual #4. Plate carrier, covered face, goggles... Approaches, pulls knife & cuts inaugural scaffolding covering. Talking w/& assisting individuals within. Enters.
Spotted by @two_plus_twins! Updating tweet b/c gender unclear.
Spotted by @two_plus_twins! Updating tweet b/c gender unclear.
@blckriflecoffee Still working on the holster and weapon for Male #1. Many have suggested a small firearm in a sport/ tactical holster. Others suspect a #TASER Pulse & holster (pictured)
We need more angles.
We need more angles.
Duffel of restraints & package of black nitrile gloves abandoned when #CapitolBuilding was cleared.
Can anyone identify what is in the side pocket of this duffel & any photos of someone carrying it?
Pic: @corumphoto. Can't recall who flagged this, apologies.
Can anyone identify what is in the side pocket of this duffel & any photos of someone carrying it?
Pic: @corumphoto. Can't recall who flagged this, apologies.
That was QUICK. Abandoned duffel w/restraints & gloves contains... a pack of single use plastic wristbands. This is a mass detention kit.
KEY: before jumping to *any* conclusion: this could belong to #CapitolPolice.
Well spotted @MMacLennan01 & @just_some_d00d!
KEY: before jumping to *any* conclusion: this could belong to #CapitolPolice.
Well spotted @MMacLennan01 & @just_some_d00d!
The bag belonged to the #CapitolPolice. Note the label "wristbands" on the side pocket. Moving on.
Thanks to those who spotted & flagged this. Pic @MarkJacob16.
Thanks to those who spotted & flagged this. Pic @MarkJacob16.
Footwear nerds I need your help on identifying Male #1's boots. I've done some image enhancement to surface features. These look like duty-style boots. Note the pull tab and upper.
"Bring handcuffs and zip ties to DC..."
Specific call to bring restraints for members of congress. Thread included a map of the #CapitolHill tunnel system.
Imp caveat: may be unrelated directly to men we're attempting to ID.
H/t to brilliant @AricToler for spotting.
Specific call to bring restraints for members of congress. Thread included a map of the #CapitolHill tunnel system.
Imp caveat: may be unrelated directly to men we're attempting to ID.
H/t to brilliant @AricToler for spotting.
On the topic of specific calls to storm #CapitolBuilding @AricToler has some excellent digging, with timestamps.
Recommended follow.
Recommended follow.
Temporary restraints were used to barricade at least one #CapitolBuilding door from the outside. They show up, cut, dangling from a door handle in footage of rioters exiting.
FOUND likely footage of Male #1 in @blckriflecoffee hat entering #CapitolBuilding. Gear and clothing seems to match.
Hi-viz recognition patch on plate carrier.
Keeps arm on another unidentified individual wearing plate carrier.
Vid to follow.
Thanks @nasty101415 for flagging.
Hi-viz recognition patch on plate carrier.
Keeps arm on another unidentified individual wearing plate carrier.
Vid to follow.
Thanks @nasty101415 for flagging.
Please help me identify additional details from this vid of the candidate for Male #1 as he enters #CapitolBuilding & climbs steps, including stills of the apparent sidearm/ taser on hip & other gear.
Many reasons to think Male #1 has a version of the Gadsden flag "Don't Tread on Me" patch. Hard to tell exact color in footage.
Now we suspect the door of entry we need still pics & more footage.
Now we suspect the door of entry we need still pics & more footage.
NEW: paid $435 licensing fee @AP for hires pic of Male #1 outside the #CapitolBuilding.
Lets us confirm:
-Knife clipped to pocket
-Taser Pulse on hip
Time to work on facial details. And who is Female #2? We saw them together on staircase.
Credit: zz/STRF/STAR MAX/IPx
Lets us confirm:
-Knife clipped to pocket
-Taser Pulse on hip
Time to work on facial details. And who is Female #2? We saw them together on staircase.
Credit: zz/STRF/STAR MAX/IPx
Closing in fast! Moderate-high confidence clothing, gear, weapon (mentions his taser) and companion match for Male #1.
Urgently need: Grand Hyatt & lobby footage. Morning & evening Jan 6th.
Key: please DM if you recognize Male #1 or Female #2.
Thx: @TheBestUn0 for spotting.
Urgently need: Grand Hyatt & lobby footage. Morning & evening Jan 6th.
Key: please DM if you recognize Male #1 or Female #2.
Thx: @TheBestUn0 for spotting.
NEW: Moderate-high confidence match for Male #1 gives interview in lobby of Grand Hyatt. Note mention of his taser and possible contact with police.
Please help with DM'd identification.
Please help with DM'd identification.
[FULL VIDEO] URGENT: Matches in clothing, gear, and story with #ZipTieGuy (aka Male # 1) from the Senate.
Have friends in #Tennessee ? From there? Please review this footage. DMs open if you recognize him or his female companion.
youtube.com
Have friends in #Tennessee ? From there? Please review this footage. DMs open if you recognize him or his female companion.
youtube.com
Reminder why I am probing for possible Tennessee connection for Male #1 aka #ZipTieGuy:
-Tennessee-shaped thin blue line patch on body armor
-@blckriflecoffee hat. Company has operations in TN (and other states)
-Accent in above video (disclaimer: not accent expert)
-Tennessee-shaped thin blue line patch on body armor
-@blckriflecoffee hat. Company has operations in TN (and other states)
-Accent in above video (disclaimer: not accent expert)
BREAKING: made a moderate-high confidence identification of #ZipTieGuy's identity.
Not releasing name publicly yet. Immediately referring to @FBI in the interest of public safety.
Result of 100s of helpers, 100s of tips. Thank you all. Onwards.
Not releasing name publicly yet. Immediately referring to @FBI in the interest of public safety.
Result of 100s of helpers, 100s of tips. Thank you all. Onwards.
We have a very strong identification for #ZipTieGuy. Have referred it to the @FBI. Not releasing publicly yet.
However, you should know that;
His social media includes
-him brandishing weapons & holding a thin blue line flag in front of images Donald Trump...
However, you should know that;
His social media includes
-him brandishing weapons & holding a thin blue line flag in front of images Donald Trump...
BREAKING: He's being named by others now, so I can confirm results of the investigation: Eric Munchel from Nashville TN is #ZipTieGuy
His social media has now been locked down, but many of his posts are disturbing and include glorified violence.
His social media has now been locked down, but many of his posts are disturbing and include glorified violence.
BREAKING I can now confirm Male #2 w/ restraints is highly decorated combat vet & @AF_Academy graduate Lt. Colonel. Ret. Larry Brock of Texas.
Releasing his name now after 24h of collaboration w/@RonanFarrow & his investigations team to confirm.
newyorker.com
Releasing his name now after 24h of collaboration w/@RonanFarrow & his investigations team to confirm.
newyorker.com
Lt.Col Brock's personal transformation from distinguished vet to political extremism and now disgraceful misconduct is essential reading.
I came away disturbed by what I saw, but impressed by @RonanFarrow's reportorial care as we investigated this man.
I came away disturbed by what I saw, but impressed by @RonanFarrow's reportorial care as we investigated this man.
How we identified Lt.Col Brock:
1. Facial recognition & review of candidate faces.
2. Narrowing to him w/OSINT
3. Validation by many who helped w/his patches. Esp. @JohnHultquist
4. Finally @RonanFarrow did extensive & necessary journalistic work calling & doing interviews.
1. Facial recognition & review of candidate faces.
2. Narrowing to him w/OSINT
3. Validation by many who helped w/his patches. Esp. @JohnHultquist
4. Finally @RonanFarrow did extensive & necessary journalistic work calling & doing interviews.
Coda 5. Then @Michael1Sheldon reached out. He'd been quietly conducting a parallel investigation and had also found Brock! This work from a researcher (at @DFRLab / @AtlanticCouncil) helped with confidence in the last stretch.
Win for the digital accountability ecosystem!
Win for the digital accountability ecosystem!
How we identified Eric Munchel (longer)
1. Focus on gear. So many contributed!
2. Clothing led to him being spotted entering #CapitolBuilding w/female.
3. Led to a lead of him on grounds. Paid @AP $435 for hires pic.. which led to
..continues
1. Focus on gear. So many contributed!
2. Clothing led to him being spotted entering #CapitolBuilding w/female.
3. Led to a lead of him on grounds. Paid @AP $435 for hires pic.. which led to
..continues
4. revisiting something @WilliamTurton said to me 48h ago about an encounter @GrandHyattDC
5. Footage from lobby led to face!
6. Revisited Tennessee links.
7. Breakthrough: Eagle eyed @two_plus_twins found a match on Eric Munchel's FB!
7. OSINT validation & archiving
5. Footage from lobby led to face!
6. Revisited Tennessee links.
7. Breakthrough: Eagle eyed @two_plus_twins found a match on Eric Munchel's FB!
7. OSINT validation & archiving
Folks, we are not done.
CONTINUING with other unidentified males in the Senate chamber. Next up? Male #3 front-carrying a backpack.
CONTINUING with other unidentified males in the Senate chamber. Next up? Male #3 front-carrying a backpack.
CONTINUING: Male #3 validating details of outfit.
Including:
-Dodge Charger 68' 69' 70' Classic Outline hoodie. (Moderate-high confidence) @birdswithknees et al.
-Orange beanie w/ DieHard tag. @DesiatoHb @jemiferjemifer et al. (Moderate-high confidence)
Please help w/backpack.
Including:
-Dodge Charger 68' 69' 70' Classic Outline hoodie. (Moderate-high confidence) @birdswithknees et al.
-Orange beanie w/ DieHard tag. @DesiatoHb @jemiferjemifer et al. (Moderate-high confidence)
Please help w/backpack.
Male #3 Backpack: @michelledelong made the logo leap w/a trademark search. Others surfaced helpful details.
-Track brand backpack by Triple Gear (moderate-high confidence)
Challenge: "C" looked like "E" in pic.
Similar, non identical bags on Amazon. Can we find this one?
-Track brand backpack by Triple Gear (moderate-high confidence)
Challenge: "C" looked like "E" in pic.
Similar, non identical bags on Amazon. Can we find this one?
⚠️PSA: Please, be careful!
Crowdsourcing gains its power from countless sharp-eyed people like you.
HOWEVER, this can only work when sharing CLUES is clearly distinguished from drawing final CONCLUSIONS about identity.
Mistaken identity is easy, and can cause lasting harm.
Crowdsourcing gains its power from countless sharp-eyed people like you.
HOWEVER, this can only work when sharing CLUES is clearly distinguished from drawing final CONCLUSIONS about identity.
Mistaken identity is easy, and can cause lasting harm.
REVISITING Individual #4 who brought restraints into #CapitolBuilding on plate carrier and took rigorous steps to cover everything & conceal identity. Gender uncertain.
Help me find more footage & appearances inside Capitol & on grounds.
...continuing
Help me find more footage & appearances inside Capitol & on grounds.
...continuing
Multiple ppl brought restraints INTO #CapitolBuilding including Individual #4. Here's higher resolution pic by @WinMc.
Eagle eyed @theFordon flagged it to me. Can we find other imagery of this person?
Pic series: gettyimages.com
Eagle eyed @theFordon flagged it to me. Can we find other imagery of this person?
Pic series: gettyimages.com
NEW: high res Individual #4 visible at 1:20 timestamp remonstrating w/ #CapitolPolice.
Gear nerds can we identify helmet, plate carrier & goggles?
Also, colorful face cover must be somewhat unique.
Spotted by @GiantSpaceAss (what a handle!)
Video: youtube.com
Gear nerds can we identify helmet, plate carrier & goggles?
Also, colorful face cover must be somewhat unique.
Spotted by @GiantSpaceAss (what a handle!)
Video: youtube.com
More footage: after Individual #4 exited #CapitolBuilding they participated in trashing press equipment in one of the media areas on #CapitolHill Begins 11 seconds in.
Excellent spotting by @lhousley
Excellent spotting by @lhousley
New: multiple hires stills of Individual #4 have been spotted. I think we should be able to make some high-confidence calls on apparel.
Originals: Amy Harris/ REX
Originals: Amy Harris/ REX
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