A Wheat Ridge man was arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges in connection to the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol breach. The charges include assaulting a police officer during the breach.
Matthew James Melsen, 34, was arrested on Wednesday by the FBI Denver Field Division on federal charges of civil disorder and assaulting law enforcement and misdemeanor charges of entering and engaging in violence in a restricted building or grounds.
Melsen was picked up by Metropolitan Police Department bodycam footage around 2 p.m. on Jan. 6, 2021. He was standing at the bike rack barricade holding back civilians and was wearing a black “Keep America Great” hat and a navy coat.
The suspect allegedly pushed a police officer on the other side of the barricade. When the police officer pushed him in response, Melsen shoved the officer with both hands. The officer then pepper sprayed the suspect.
Melsen later climbed onto the inaugural stage scaffolding erected on the West Plaza of the Capitol grounds around 4 p.m., the DOJ said. Melsen then attempted to enter the Capitol building with other rioters for hours.