By Leonard Greene
New York Daily News
DETROIT — A Michigan man caught on camera swinging a hockey stick at a law enforcement officer during the Capitol siege has been arrested and charged with assault, authorities said Thursday.
Federal authorities identified Michael Joseph Foy as the man in a viral video swinging a hockey stick repeatedly at a D.C. Metropolitan police officer on the ground, after a mob pulled the cop from the arch entryway at the Capitol.
A federal affidavit, complete with pictures of the suspect, said Foy’s attack lasted 16 seconds before he was knocked down by another rioter. The Westland, Mich. man entered the Capitol later through a broken window, said court papers.
Investigators said they were able to identify Foy using various online resources.
The video shows Foy lifting the hockey stick above his head and swinging down rapidly, hitting someone on the ground several times, according to the complaint.
“At no point does it appear that the individual on the ground is acting aggressively, nor does it appear that the attack is justified,” the affidavit said.
Another video at a different angle shows Foy hitting an officer for about 16 seconds until he’s knocked down by another rioter. In this video, Foy lowers his hood, giving a clear view of his face.
The suspect then raises the hockey stick above his head in celebration and begins shouting, court papers said.
Around him, a crowd was shouting, “Police, stand down.”
The hockey stick had a Trump flag draped from it, according to the complaint.
Foy was charged with knowingly entering a restricted building without permission, obstruction of law enforcement, forcibly assaulting an officer, aiding and abetting and obstructing a congressional proceeding.
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