WOODLAND PARK — A Woodland Park native has been accused of breaking into the Capitol and assaulting a federal officer on January 6 during a failed attempt of insurrection.
In an affidavit, Robert Gieswein, age 24, is said to have assaulted U.S. Capitol Police officers and intimidated them with the threat of a spray canister, a temporary barrier, and a baseball bat. Photos and videos in this affidavit also show Gieswein encouraging a crowd of people to break down barricades and forcibly enter the Capitol, disrupting the United States House and Senate proceedings.
Monday evening, the Teller County Sheriff's Office reported that Gieswein turned himself in. The Sheriff's Office said he will be turned over to federal authorities.
He's being charged with Assault on a federal officer, Aiding and Abetting the Destruction of Federal Property, Obstruction of a federal proceeding, Violent entry and disorderly conduct, and Knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful entry.
The affidavit also stated that Gieswein had relations with a radical militia group known as the Three Percenters. This group is known for advocating resistance to federal government policies that it considers to deny people their Constitutional rights, including personal, local, and gun ownership.
Gieswein is believed to run a private paramilitary training group he named "Woodland Wild Dogs." According to the affidavit, he was seen wearing a patch from the group while participating in the insurrection.
We will continue to bring you more details as we learn more.
