NC Woman Indicted As Part Of Oath Keepers Role In Capitol Riot

Charlotte NC

19 February, 2021

5:19 PM

Description

NORTH CAROLINA — A Federal grand jury indicted six members of the Oath Keepers militia, including a North Carolina woman, for their role in storming the U.S. Capitol while wearing paramilitary gear. Laura Steele, 52 and of Thomasville, North Carolina, was arrested Feb. 17 in Greensboro, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia. Steele, along with other Oath Keeper members, "donned paramilitary gear," and joined a "military-style 'stack' formation that marched up the center steps on the east side of the U.S. Capitol, breached the door at the top, and then stormed the building," DOJ said in a statement. Prosecutors said that Steele is alleged to be a member of a Florida-based chapter of the far-right Oath Keepers militia. Members of the group received firearms and combat training by a Florida-based company, DOJ said. Steele was charged with one count of conspiring to corruptly obstruct, influence, or impede an official proceeding; one count of depredation against federal government property; and unlawful entry, disorderly conduct, or violent conduct in restricted buildings or grounds. SEE ALSO: NC Man's Arrest Marks 4th In State Following Jan. 6 Capitol Riot