US: Man accused of striking 3 police officers arrested

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - Federal agents took a retired firefighter into custody Thursday who is accused of throwing a fire extinguisher and striking three police officers during last week's siege of the US Capitol by President Donald Trump's supporters.

Robert Sanford, 55, of Pennsylvania was charged Wednesday before being taken into custody on one count each of entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, disorderly or disruptive conduct on Capitol grounds, civil disorder and assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers while they were engaged in the performance of official duties.

The extinguisher ultimately hit all three of the officers in the head, one of whom was not wearing a helmet at the time he was struck, according to the Justice Department. Bystander video of the incident was captured on the scene and has circulated on social media.

The case is being prosecuted by the US attorney in Washington, D.C. and the department's national security counterterrorism office.

Trump was impeached for a second time on Wednesday. The House of Representatives on Wednesday overwhelmingly approved a single article of incitement of insurrection against the outgoing leader.

The case will not be taken up against the president until after he leaves office next Wednesday, but it could still have far-reaching consequences for the benefits he is entitled to as a commander-in-chief. Should he be convicted, the Senate is likely to take up a follow-on measure that would seek to prevent him from running for public office again.