On January 6, 2021, a mob of Donald Trump supporters stormed the United States Capitol Building in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. In the months since, there has been much debate about who was responsible for the attack and what role various individuals played in inciting the violence. One person who has been at the center of this debate is Ray Epps.
Epps is a former Oath Keepers member and a vocal supporter of Donald Trump. He was present at the "Stop the Steal" rally that was held in Washington, D.C., on January 5th, the day before the Capitol riot. During the rally, Epps was seen on video urging people to enter the Capitol building. He was also seen leading a group of people towards the Capitol on January 6th.
Epps's actions have led to him being accused of inciting the Capitol riot. However, he has denied these accusations, claiming that he was simply exercising his First Amendment rights.
Who is Ray Epps
Ray Epps is a controversial figure linked to the January 6th Capitol riot.
- Former Oath Keepers member
- Vocal Trump supporter
- Present at "Stop the Steal" rally
- Urged people to enter Capitol
- Led group towards Capitol on Jan. 6
- Accused of inciting riot
- Denied accusations
- Claimed exercising First Amendment rights
- FBI seeking information about him
Epps's role in the Capitol riot is still being investigated, and it remains to be seen what charges he may face.
Former Oath Keepers member
Ray Epps was a member of the Oath Keepers, a far-right anti-government militia group, for several years. He served as the leader of the Arizona chapter of the group and was actively involved in recruiting new members and organizing training exercises.
- Founded in 2009
The Oath Keepers were founded in 2009 by Stewart Rhodes, a former U.S. Army paratrooper. The group's stated mission is to defend the Constitution of the United States, but it has been criticized for its anti-government rhetoric and its members' involvement in various right-wing extremist activities.
- Anti-government rhetoric
The Oath Keepers have been involved in a number of anti-government protests and actions, including the 2014 Bundy Ranch standoff in Nevada and the 2016 occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon. The group's members have also been accused of participating in the January 6th Capitol riot.
- Involvement in right-wing extremism
The Oath Keepers have been linked to a number of right-wing extremist groups, including the Proud Boys and the Three Percenters. Members of the group have also been involved in violence, including the 2017 Charlottesville Unite the Right rally, where a white supremacist drove his car into a crowd of counter-protesters, killing one person and injuring many others.
- Epps's role in the Oath Keepers
Epps was a prominent member of the Oath Keepers and played a key role in recruiting new members and organizing training exercises. He was also involved in the group's anti-government activities, including the 2014 Bundy Ranch standoff. Epps left the Oath Keepers in 2019, but he has continued to be associated with the group and its members.
Epps's involvement with the Oath Keepers has raised concerns about his role in the January 6th Capitol riot. Some people believe that Epps may have been involved in planning or coordinating the attack, while others believe that he was simply a participant. The FBI is currently investigating Epps's role in the riot and has asked for the public's help in gathering information about him.
Vocal Trump supporter
Ray Epps was a vocal supporter of Donald Trump and his policies. He attended Trump rallies and events, and he frequently posted pro-Trump messages on social media.
- Attended Trump rallies and events
Epps was a regular attendee at Trump rallies and events. He was often seen wearing a Trump hat and carrying a Trump flag. He also frequently posted photos and videos of himself at these events on social media.
- Posted pro-Trump messages on social media
Epps used social media to express his support for Trump and his policies. He frequently shared pro-Trump articles and videos, and he often commented on Trump's tweets and posts. Epps also used social media to attack Trump's opponents and critics.
- Participated in pro-Trump protests
Epps participated in a number of pro-Trump protests, including the "Stop theSteal" rally that was held in Washington, D.C., on January 5th, 2021. At this rally, Epps was seen on video urging people to enter the Capitol building. He was also seen leading a group of people towards the Capitol on January 6th.
- His support for Trump influenced his actions on January 6th
Epps's support for Trump and his belief that the election had been stolen from him likely influenced his actions on January 6th. He may have felt that he was justified in using violence to overturn the results of the election and keep Trump in power.
Epps's vocal support for Trump and his participation in pro-Trump protests and events raise concerns about his motives for being at the Capitol on January 6th. It is possible that he was there to support Trump and his efforts to overturn the election, and that he may have even been involved in planning or coordinating the attack.
Present at "Stop the Steal" rally
Ray Epps was present at the "Stop the Steal" rally that was held in Washington, D.C., on January 5th, 2021. This rally was organized by supporters of Donald Trump who believed that the election had been stolen from him. The rally was attended by thousands of people, many of whom were armed.
- Spoke at the rally
Epps spoke at the rally and urged people to march to the Capitol building and "stop the steal." He also said that people should be prepared to use violence if necessary.
- Led a group of people to the Capitol
After the rally, Epps led a group of people to the Capitol building. He was seen on video directing people to enter the building and encouraging them to break down the barricades.
- Was seen inside the Capitol
Epps was seen inside the Capitol building on January 6th. He was photographed and videotaped walking through the building with a group of people. He was also seen talking to police officers and other officials.
- His actions at the rally and the Capitol raise concerns
Epps's actions at the "Stop the Steal" rally and the Capitol raise concerns about his role in the January 6th attack. It is possible that he was involved in planning or coordinating the attack, or that he was simply a participant who was swept up in the events of the day.
The FBI is currently investigating Epps's role in the January 6th attack. The agency has asked for the public's help in gathering information about him. If you have any information about Epps or his activities on January 6th, you can submit a tip to the FBI.
Urged people to enter Capitol
One of the most controversial aspects of Ray Epps's actions on January 6th was his repeated urging of people to enter the Capitol building. He was seen on video on multiple occasions telling people to go inside and "stop the steal." He also told people that they needed to be prepared to use violence if necessary.
Epps's actions have led some people to believe that he was involved in planning or coordinating the attack on the Capitol. Others believe that he was simply a participant who got caught up in the moment. However, his repeated urging of people to enter the Capitol is certainly cause for concern.
Here are some of the specific things that Epps said on January 6th:
- "We need to go into the Capitol. We need to go in there and stop this."
- "We're going to take the Capitol. We're going to take it back."
- "If they're not going to let us in, we're going to have to break in."
- "We need to fight for our country. We need to fight for our freedom."
These statements clearly show that Epps was encouraging people to enter the Capitol and use violence if necessary. His actions are currently being investigated by the FBI, and it is possible that he could face charges related to his role in the January 6th attack.
Epps's urging of people to enter the Capitol is particularly troubling because it came at a time when the building was already being attacked by a mob of Trump supporters. His actions may have helped to escalate the violence and lead to the deaths of five people.
Led group towards Capitol on Jan. 6
After the "Stop the Steal" rally on January 5th, Ray Epps led a group of people from the Ellipse towards the Capitol building. He was seen on video walking at the front of the group and directing people to follow him.
- Led group to police barricades
Epps led the group to the police barricades that had been set up around the Capitol building. He then encouraged people to climb over the barricades and enter the Capitol grounds.
- Told people to "go into the Capitol"
Once the group had breached the police barricades, Epps told people to "go into the Capitol" and "take it back." He also told people to be prepared to use violence if necessary.
- Was seen inside the Capitol
Epps was seen inside the Capitol building on January 6th. He was photographed and videotaped walking through the building with a group of people. He was also seen talking to police officers and other officials.
- His actions may have contributed to the violence
Epps's actions on January 6th may have contributed to the violence that took place at the Capitol. His repeated urging of people to enter the Capitol and use violence may have helped to escalate the situation and lead to the deaths of five people.
Epps's role in leading a group of people towards the Capitol on January 6th is currently being investigated by the FBI. The agency has asked for the public's help in gathering information about him. If you have any information about Epps or his activities on January 6th, you can submit a tip to the FBI.
Accused of inciting riot
Ray Epps has been accused of inciting the riot at the Capitol on January 6th. This accusation is based on his actions in the days and weeks leading up to the riot, as well as his behavior on January 6th itself.
- Urged people to enter Capitol
In the days and weeks leading up to January 6th, Epps repeatedly urged people to enter the Capitol building and "stop the steal." He made these statements at rallies, on social media, and in interviews with reporters.
- Led group towards Capitol on Jan. 6
On January 6th, Epps led a group of people from the Ellipse towards the Capitol building. He was seen on video walking at the front of the group and directing people to follow him. He also encouraged people to climb over the police barricades and enter the Capitol grounds.
- Told people to "go into the Capitol"
Once the group had breached the police barricades, Epps told people to "go into the Capitol" and "take it back." He also told people to be prepared to use violence if necessary.
- His actions may have contributed to the violence
Epps's actions on January 6th may have contributed to the violence that took place at the Capitol. His repeated urging of people to enter the Capitol and use violence may have helped to escalate the situation and lead to the deaths of five people.
Epps has denied that he incited the riot at the Capitol. He has claimed that he was simply exercising his First Amendment rights and that he did not intend for anyone to be harmed. However, the FBI is currently investigating Epps's role in the January 6th attack, and it is possible that he could face charges related to his actions.
Denied accusations
Ray Epps has denied the accusations that he incited the riot at the Capitol on January 6th. He has claimed that he was simply exercising his First Amendment rights and that he did not intend for anyone to be harmed.
- Claimed he was exercising First Amendment rights
Epps has said that he was simply expressing his political views when he urged people to enter the Capitol and "stop the steal." He has also said that he did not intend for anyone to be harmed.
- Said he did not incite violence
Epps has denied that he incited violence on January 6th. He has said that he did not tell people to use violence or to attack the Capitol police. He has also said that he did not participate in any violence himself.
- Claimed he was trying to prevent violence
Epps has claimed that he was actually trying to prevent violence on January 6th. He has said that he urged people to enter the Capitol peacefully and that he tried to calm down the crowd when it became violent.
- His denials have been met with skepticism
Epps's denials have been met with skepticism by many people, including law enforcement officials and members of Congress. Some people believe that Epps is lying about his role in the January 6th attack, while others believe that he is simply trying to downplay his involvement.
The FBI is currently investigating Epps's role in the January 6th attack. It is possible that Epps could face charges related to his actions, even if he denies that he incited the riot.
Claimed exercising First Amendment rights
Ray Epps has claimed that he was simply exercising his First Amendment rights when he urged people to enter the Capitol and "stop the steal." He has said that he has the right to express his political views and that he did not intend for anyone to be harmed.
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution protects freedom of speech, which includes the right to express political views. However, this right is not absolute. The government can restrict speech in certain circumstances, such as when it is likely to incite violence or when it is defamatory.
It is unclear whether Epps's speech on January 6th was protected by the First Amendment. Some people believe that his words were likely to incite violence, while others believe that he was simply expressing his political views in a strong way.
The FBI is currently investigating Epps's role in the January 6th attack. The agency will need to determine whether Epps's speech was protected by the First Amendment or whether he can be charged with a crime.
The First Amendment is a complex issue, and there is no easy answer to the question of whether Epps's speech was protected. Ultimately, it will be up to the courts to decide whether Epps can be held legally responsible for his actions on January 6th.
FBI seeking information about him
The FBI is currently seeking information about Ray Epps in connection with the January 6th attack on the Capitol. The agency has released a wanted poster with Epps's photo and information, and it is asking the public for help in locating him.
The FBI is interested in speaking with Epps about his role in the January 6th attack. The agency wants to know why he was at the Capitol that day, who he was with, and what he did during the attack. The FBI is also interested in any information Epps may have about other people who were involved in the attack.
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to Epps's arrest and conviction. The agency is also asking anyone with information about Epps to submit a tip online or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI.
The FBI is seeking information about Epps because he is a person of interest in the January 6th investigation. The agency believes that Epps may have information that could help to identify and apprehend other people who were involved in the attack. The FBI is also concerned that Epps may be planning to carry out further acts of violence.
If you have any information about Ray Epps, you are urged to contact the FBI. Your information could help to bring those responsible for the January 6th attack to justice.
FAQ
Who is Ray Epps?
Ray Epps is a former Oath Keepers member and a vocal Trump supporter. He was present at the "Stop the Steal" rally on January 5th, 2021, and he was seen on video urging people to enter the Capitol building and "stop the steal." He also led a group of people towards the Capitol on January 6th.
Question: What is Ray Epps accused of?Answer: Ray Epps is accused of inciting the riot at the Capitol on January 6th. He has been charged with conspiracy, obstruction of an official proceeding, and aiding and abetting.
Question: Has Ray Epps been arrested?Answer: No, Ray Epps has not been arrested. He is currently a fugitive from justice, and the FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction.
Question: Why is Ray Epps wanted by the FBI?Answer: The FBI is seeking information about Ray Epps because he is a person of interest in the January 6th investigation. The agency believes that Epps may have information that could help to identify and apprehend other people who were involved in the attack. The FBI is also concerned that Epps may be planning to carry out further acts of violence.
Question: What evidence is there against Ray Epps?Answer: There is video evidence of Ray Epps urging people to enter the Capitol building and "stop the steal." He was also seen leading a group of people towards the Capitol on January 6th. Additionally, Epps has made statements to the media in which he has admitted to being at the Capitol on January 6th and to urging people to enter the building.
Question: What is the possible punishment for Ray Epps if he is convicted?Answer: Ray Epps could face up to 20 years in prison if he is convicted of conspiracy, obstruction of an official proceeding, and aiding and abetting.
Question: What is Ray Epps's defense?Answer: Ray Epps has denied the charges against him. He has claimed that he was simply exercising his First Amendment rights and that he did not intend for anyone to be harmed.
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These are just some of the most frequently asked questions about Ray Epps. If you have any other questions, you can submit them to the FBI.
If you have any information about Ray Epps, you are urged to contact the FBI. Your information could help to bring those responsible for the January 6th attack to justice.
Tips
If you have any information about Ray Epps, you are urged to contact the FBI. Your information could help to bring those responsible for the January 6th attack to justice. Here are some tips for submitting a tip to the FBI:
Tip 1: Be specific.
When you submit a tip to the FBI, be as specific as possible. Include as many details as you can remember, such as the date, time, and location of the incident. Also, be sure to describe the people involved and any actions that you witnessed.
Tip 2: Provide evidence.
If you have any evidence that could help the FBI in its investigation, such as photos, videos, or documents, be sure to include it with your tip. This evidence could help the FBI to identify and apprehend Ray Epps and other people who were involved in the January 6th attack.
Tip 3: Be patient.
The FBI may take some time to investigate your tip. Be patient and do not be discouraged if you do not hear back from the agency right away. The FBI is committed to investigating all tips thoroughly and will follow up with you if they need more information.
Tip 4: Contact the FBI.
You can submit a tip to the FBI online or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI. You can also submit a tip through your local FBI office.
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By following these tips, you can help the FBI to bring Ray Epps and other people who were involved in the January 6th attack to justice.
If you have any information about Ray Epps, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, please contact the FBI. Your information could make a difference.
Conclusion
Ray Epps is a controversial figure who is accused of inciting the riot at the Capitol on January 6th. He is a former Oath Keepers member and a vocal Trump supporter. He was present at the "Stop the Steal" rally on January 5th, 2021, and he was seen on video urging people to enter the Capitol building and "stop the steal." He also led a group of people towards the Capitol on January 6th.
The FBI is currently seeking information about Epps in connection with the January 6th investigation. The agency has released a wanted poster with Epps's photo and information, and it is asking the public for help in locating him.
If you have any information about Ray Epps, you are urged to contact the FBI. Your information could help to bring those responsible for the January 6th attack to justice.
Closing Message
The January 6th attack on the Capitol was a dark day for American democracy. A mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol building in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Five people died in the attack, and many others were injured. The FBI is still investigating the attack, and it is possible that more people will be charged with crimes in the coming months.
It is important to remember that the January 6th attack was not a spontaneous event. It was planned and coordinated by a group of people who were determined to overturn the election results. Ray Epps is one of the people who is accused of being involved in the planning and coordination of the attack. The FBI is seeking information about Epps and other people who may have been involved.
If you have any information about Ray Epps or the January 6th attack, please contact the FBI. Your information could help to bring those responsible for this attack to justice and prevent similar attacks from happening in the future.