'I have to clear chats': Feds detail how Oath Keeper tried to wipe online evidence after attacking..

[marmar]

'I have to clear chats': Feds detail how Oath Keeper tried to wipe online evidence after attacking the Capitol


Last week, federal authorities arrested a number of Capitol rioters, including a New Jersey man by the name of James Breheny. Breheny is a member of the Oath Keepers, a far-right paramilitary group that bills itself as a continuation of the mission for current and retired military and law enforcement.

In a new report, NBC4 New York detailed the ways that Breheny, realizing he was in trouble, belatedly sought to wipe evidence of his participation in the riot from the internet.

"Investigators further connected the New Jersey man to the siege through videos posted online. They said Breheny is seen among the mob who clashed with police at the East door of the Capitol building and followed the rioters inside the rotunda," said the report. "Federal officials also said that Breheny, on the day of the riot, sent messages from his phone bragging about making it into the U.S. Capitol. A search of his phone revealed messages saying, 'I breached the Capitol door!' and 'I have to clear chats,' according to prosecutors."

"Breheny's phone also contained warning messages from contacts that told him to delete all pictures and messages, even advising him to get a new phone. 'They're going through social media looking at pictures to try and prosecute anyone in the Capitol building,' one message read," said the report. "Two days after the riot, officials claim Brehney deactivated his Facebook account. Six days after that, he met with officers and claimed he entered the Capitol unwillingly, telling investigators he was forced inside among the siege of rioters. Prosecutors also allege Breheny said he didn't know he wasn't allowed to go inside." ..........(more)

https://www.rawstory.com/james-breheny-2653090839/

[dalton99a]

1. Kick

Breheny faces three charges for crimes related to the Capitol breach, but prosecutors also alleged that in the days and weeks before the riot, Breheny coordinated with the leader of the Oath Keepers. The government does not mention the alleged leader by name in this charging document, but authorities have previously identified him as Stewart Rhodes, who has not been charged in connection with the riot.

Breheny is the 14th alleged Oath Keeper to be charged in the Capitol riot. A group of 12 other Oath Keepers have been charged together in a criminal conspiracy case, and another agreed to cooperate with prosecutors after he entered a guilty plea last month.

Prosecutors suggested Breheny's coordination began weeks before the Capitol riot. In December, prosecutors said, Breheny invited the leader of the Oath Keepers to a meeting of "multiple patriot groups" from Mid-Atlantic states that was set to take place on January 3 in Pennsylvania. A message describing the purpose of that meeting allegedly said, "This will be the day we get our comms on point with multiple other patriot groups, share rally points etc. This one is important and I believe this is our last chance to organize before the show. This meeting will be for leaders only."

When inviting the Oath Keepers leader to the meeting, Breheny allegedly told him, "No cell phones. Need to be Faraday bag prior to site," referring to security containers typically used to block remote hacking or tracking of electronic devices.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/oath-keeper-james-breheny-charged-capitol-riot/