Seven Oklahomans Charged Since U.S. Capitol Riots

In the one year since the violent assault on the seat of America democracy, more than 700 people have been arrested in connection with the Capitol riot. That includes seven Oklahomans.

Little did Sen. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma, know when he was interrupted giving a speech on the U.S. Senate floor, those that breached the U.S. Capitol were not only fellow Americans, but included fellow Oklahomans, as well.

From Muskogee, Oklahoma City, Chandler, Wyandotte and Tulsa, from 24 to 57 years old, the seven Oklahomans charged range from an Oklahoma City Thunder employee to a U.S. Army veteran.

Andrew Ericson, 24, livestreamed his time inside the U.S. Capitol, taking a beer from a refrigerator and kicking his feet up on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s conference room table.

He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and was sentenced to 20 days in prison and $500 restitution.

Danielle Doyle, the OKC Thunder employee, was recognized on TV by a former co-worker who turned her in. She also pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and was sentenced to two months’ probation and a $3,000 fine.

According to the Department of Justice, 27-year-old Jerry Ryals posted on Facebook after he broke into the Capitol and said, “We reclaimed our Capitol, just to be slandered by the media.”

He has pleaded not guilty to one felony and four misdemeanors.

Ryals allegedly worked for Anthony Griffith Sr. According to court documents, he owns a Fort Gibson electrical company. Witnesses told the FBI, the night after the attack, he told them “Maybe I shouldn’t have gone in.”

Griffith pleaded not guilty to four misdemeanor charges.

Tanner Sells, 26, runs a Chandler construction business. He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and will be sentenced next week.

U.S. Army veteran Benjamin Burlew faced the most serious charges.

Prosecutors alleged he assaulted an Associated Press photographer. He is accused of dragging the journalist across the steps of the U.S. Capitol before throwing the photographer over a wall. He has not yet entered a plea.

Edward Spain told the FBI he hadn’t intended on going inside the Capitol but did so after he heard shots had been fired near the Senate.

He faces four misdemeanors and has not yet entered a plea.

“Those involved must be held accountable, and there is no higher priority for us at the department of justice,” U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a news conference Wednesday.

Oklahoma City FBI Field Office said even a year after the assault on the Capitol, the investigation remains open. They urge anyone with information to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324).