Federal Charges Filed Against 2 Suburban Men Accused of Storming U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6
Charges Filed Against Oak Lawn and Palos Heights Residents
Federal charges have been filed against two suburban men accused of storming the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. 44-year-old Michael Mollo Jr., an Oak Lawn resident, and 41-year-old Emil Kozeluh, a Palos Heights resident, have each been charged with disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly conduct in a capitol building; parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a capitol building; and civil disorder, according to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, the day of the presidential election.
Allegations Against Mollo and Kozeluh
The complaint alleges that Mollo and Kozeluh entered the U.S. Capitol grounds and building, despite clear indications that the area was closed to the public, and interfered with police officers who were responding to the riot. FBI agents who investigated the case said a handful of videos taken at the scene that day, including police body camera video, U.S. Capitol Police surveillance video and public video footage, allegedly showed the two suburban men committing illegal acts while part of the mob of protestors that stormed the Capitol and entered through the building’s west entrance.
Kozeluh’s Involvement
The FBI first became aware of Kozeluh’s alleged involvement after one of his acquaintances contacted agents indicating that he had sent them a photo and a video of himself in and around the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6 via text and also referenced being present for the riot on that day. A second witness, who was an acquaintance of Mollo, later went to the FBI to inform them that Mollo was “at the [J]anuary 6th insurrection in 2020 (sic) and stormed the [C]apitol.”
Mollo’s Actions
According to the complaint, Mollo, who wore a yellow “Don’t Tread on Me” flag as a scarf with reinforced knuckle gloves and a white “1776” design bandana, shouted at the officers, saying “They’re stealing our country,” while using his upper body to push an officer. During the incident, Mollo allegedly placed his hand on the officer’s baton, which prompted the officer to gesture to his camera, indicating that he had captured the incident on video. Mollo then backed up and said “No, I ain’t do nothing,” the complaint said.
Security Video Footage
Surveillance video captured outside the Rotunda lobby doors allegedly shows Mollo high-fiving another rioter while shouting “This is our house,” the complaint said. According to the complaint, rioters were able to open the Rotunda doors by 2:38 p.m. and both men were then allegedly spotted on security video jumping and raising their arms in celebration. Three minutes later, Kozeluh was allegedly spotted using his body to prop open the Rotunda lobby doors as police tried to close them from the outside.
Current Status
According to records from the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Kozeluh is currently in custody at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago. It is unclear if Mollo has been taken into custody.
President-elect Trump’s Comments
The fate of the two men is now up in the air as President-elect Trump has previously mentioned potential pardons for those charged in connection with the Capitol riot. Trump has also compared those imprisoned in connection with the riot to Japanese Americans who were put in internment camps during WWII.
Previous Convictions
According to the Associated Press, more than 1,000 people have been convicted in connection with the Jan 6. riot and more than 650 of them received prison time ranging from a few days to 22 years.
Conclusion
The allegations against Mollo and Kozeluh are serious and demonstrate a clear disregard for the law and the safety of others. As the investigation continues, it is important to remember the severity of the charges and the potential consequences for those involved.
FAQs
Q: What are the charges against Mollo and Kozeluh?
A: The charges against Mollo and Kozeluh include disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly conduct in a capitol building; parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a capitol building; and civil disorder.
Q: What is the current status of the two men?
A: Kozeluh is currently in custody at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago, while Mollo’s status is unclear.
Q: Has President-elect Trump commented on the charges?
A: Yes, Trump has mentioned potential pardons for those charged in connection with the Capitol riot and has compared those imprisoned in connection with the riot to Japanese Americans who were put in internment camps during WWII.
