ASHLAND, Ohio – Kurt Schneider, who will be Ashland County’s next sheriff, has released a mini-documentary highlighting the crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border and its impact on communities nationwide, including in North Central Ohio. Schneider recently led a delegation from Ashland County to Cochise County, Arizona, to observe the effects of the border crisis firsthand.
The four-minute documentary, produced by Ashland resident Sean Bartley’s firm, provides a concise overview of the border crisis and the humanitarian and economic toll extending well beyond Arizona. “Schneider’s brief Border documentary succinctly highlights the issues arising from our broken border across the entire country,” Bartley said. “The documentary addresses the Cartels’ influence, the elements involved in securing the border, and what we all can do to make sure those actions are taken.”
In the opening of the documentary, Schneider explains his purpose in bringing local leaders to the border. “I thought it to be a prudent decision to take a delegation of leaders from Ashland County to put eyes on this crisis firsthand, figure out how it’s going to affect us locally,” he says. Schneider goes on to describe the extensive control of the border by criminal cartels, asserting, “they are the ones calling the shots.”
Ashland Mayor Matt Miller, who was part of the delegation, elaborates on the cartels’ profit motives. “They are taking advantage of this border situation to make money,” Miller said. “They are sacrificing the lives of people from all over the world in the name of making money.”
Ohio State Representative Melanie Miller also offers insights into the gaps in border security, emphasizing a three-pronged approach. “There’s that three-tiered approach for security, the lighting, the security with cameras, obviously the physical wall but also the men and women to secure the border,” stated Representative Miller. “We have to do that for our American people.”
The delegation collectively addressed the severe humanitarian costs stemming from the crisis. “This is not just an Arizona crisis or a Texas crisis. Every state in the Union has a border problem,” Schneider states in the documentary. He highlights that individuals crossing the border become indentured servants to the cartels where they are forced to work off their debt for the rest of their lives or risk harm to them or their family.
Representative Miller further underscores the humanitarian implications, stressing the safety of children caught in the crisis. “Children are lost. We don’t know where they are,” she says. “It is so important that we secure our border so we can protect human life.”
Closer to home, Mayor Miller links the border situation to local challenges in Ashland County, noting a double-digit increase in the number of cases in local courts involving individuals detained along Interstate 71. “It’s costing our local taxpayers to address the very men and women who are getting through this fence, over this fence, or getting into this country illegally,” he remarked.
Schneider, who has a long background in law enforcement and public safety, ends the documentary by encouraging Ashland County residents to vote for political leaders who will address the crisis head-on. “Vote for a president who will get stuff done. That’s Donald Trump,” he says. Schneider also highlights Bernie Moreno as a Senate candidate with a strong stance on border security and urges the election of local officials committed to understanding and tackling the complex issues arising from the border situation.
The documentary aims to raise awareness of the border crisis, the humanitarian crisis it is causing, and its impact on communities across the nation.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force has announced a reward for information leading to the capture of four fugitives wanted on a variety of charges.
The Task Force is actively searching for Akil Gordon, David Greene, Richard Keaton, and Dorrien Smith. Each individual is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and local law enforcement, and each has known ties to Northern Ohio.
Akil Gordon
Akil Gordon, 26, is wanted by the Mansfield Police Department for domestic violence. He is described as a Black male, 5 feet 9 inches tall, with black hair and brown eyes. Gordon has connections to Mansfield.
David Greene
David Greene, 38, is wanted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office on charges of failure to verify his address as a registered sex offender. Greene is a white male with brown hair and hazel eyes, standing 6 feet tall. He is known to frequent the Mansfield and Galion areas.
Richard Keaton
Richard Keaton, 62, is being sought by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office on a strangulation charge. He is described as a Black male, 5 feet 9 inches tall, with black hair and blue eyes. Keaton also has ties to Mansfield.
Dorrien Smith
Dorrien Smith, 45, is wanted for escape and a probation violation on an aggravated robbery charge. He is known to the U.S. Marshals Service, the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, and the Adult Parole Authority. Smith is a Black male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 6 feet 4 inches tall. He has connections to Mansfield and Marion, Ohio.
Authorities are urging anyone with information on the whereabouts of Gordon, Greene, Keaton, or Smith to contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force. Anonymous tips can be made by calling 1-866-4WANTED or by texting the keyword WANTED and the tip to 847411 (tip411). Reward money is available for those providing useful information.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is committed to apprehending these individuals
Mark your calendars! Bernie Moreno coming to Ashland! Join us on Monday, October 28th at 3 PM at our GOP Headquarters, located at 141 E. Main St., for an event that’s sure to inspire and energize!
This is our moment to show the country that Ashland County is ready for a fresh voice in the U.S. Senate! Don’t miss this chance—invite your friends, family, and neighbors to be part of this key moment. Let’s make our voices heard!
October 18, 2024 – Gettysburg, PA: A group of 38 students, parents, and staff from Genesis Christian Academy recently embarked on a field trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, for a hands-on educational experience, aimed at deepening their understanding of American history. Led by History teacher Kenneth Hammontree and historian Tyler Rice, the trip was a living lesson in one of the most crucial battles of the Civil War. Departing early Friday at 6:00 a.m., the group visited key sites, including the exact spot where President Abraham Lincoln delivered the iconic Gettysburg Address.
The field trip was more than just an excursion—it was designed to engage students in active learning. At the location where Lincoln gave his famous speech in 1863, the students were invited to recite the Gettysburg Address, an exercise meant to connect them with the emotional and historical weight of the moment. This act of recitation allowed students to walk in the footsteps of history, while bringing alive the principles of equality, liberty, and sacrifice that were at the heart of Lincoln’s brief but powerful address.
A Lesson in American Ideals
Delivered on November 19, 1863, just months after the bloody Battle of Gettysburg, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address is regarded as one of the most significant speeches in American history. Although it lasted only about two minutes, the address summarized the purpose of the war and redefined the struggle in terms of national unity and the principles upon which the country was founded. Lincoln honored the fallen soldiers and reminded the nation that the conflict was not just a battle for territory, but for the survival of democracy itself.
Hammontree and Rice used the occasion to discuss the battle’s pivotal role in shaping the course of the Civil War. They highlighted how the battle, which took place over three days from July 1-3, 1863, resulted in a decisive Union victory that shifted the war’s momentum. The site of the battle, with its memorials and carefully preserved landscapes, remains a place of reflection and learning, reminding students of the cost of war and the enduring nature of the American democratic experiment.
“The Gettysburg Address wasn’t just a speech about the past; it was a vision for the future,” Hammontree said. “By having our students recite it where Lincoln stood, we wanted them to feel the weight of those words and understand that the fight for freedom and equality is an ongoing struggle.”
A Visit to the Soldiers’ National Cemetery
Following their time at the site of the address, the group explored the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, the first national cemetery in the United States, which was established to bury Union soldiers who died in the battle. Surrounded by monuments, gravestones, and memorials, the cemetery is a solemn reminder of the sacrifice made by thousands of soldiers during one of the Civil War’s most crucial confrontations.
Hammontree and Rice led discussions on the significance of the cemetery, both as a place of rest for the fallen and as a symbol of the nation’s commitment to preserving the Union. Lincoln’s address, they explained, was part of the dedication ceremony for the cemetery, forever linking the address with the landscape of Gettysburg.
“Standing in the cemetery, it becomes clear that the war wasn’t just about North vs. South—it was about ensuring that the values of democracy and freedom could survive,” said Rice. “This is a place where history feels alive, where the past speaks to the present in a powerful way.”
A Lasting Impact on Students
The field trip to Gettysburg is expected to have a lasting educational impact on Genesis Christian Academy students. Many of the students shared how the experience of walking through history changed the way they viewed the Civil War and Lincoln’s legacy. Some students were particularly moved by standing at the site where Lincoln delivered his speech, calling it “inspiring” and “eye-opening.”
“The field trip gave us a chance to experience history in a way that textbooks just can’t,” said one student. “It was incredible to think that we were standing where President Lincoln once stood and to imagine what it must have been like.”
As the day ended and the group boarded their buses back home, the consensus was clear: the field trip had not only expanded their historical knowledge but also deepened their appreciation for the principles that continue to shape the nation.
For Genesis Christian Academy, this trip to Gettysburg was more than just an educational outing; it was an opportunity to instill a sense of history, patriotism, and civic responsibility in their students. By exploring one of the most hallowed grounds in American history, the students were reminded of the cost of freedom and the enduring significance of the ideals upon which the United States was founded.
This hands-on approach to learning underscores the Academy’s commitment to providing immersive educational experiences that go beyond the classroom. The trip will undoubtedly resonate with students for years to come.
October 18, 2024 – Gettysburg, PA: A group of 38 students, parents, and staff from Genesis Christian Academy recently embarked on a captivating educational trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where they delved into one of the most pivotal moments in American history. This immersive experience was designed to offer a tangible connection to the lessons learned in the classroom. Led by history teacher Kenneth Hammontree and local historian Tyler Rice, the group departed early on Friday morning, eager to walk the grounds where the fate of the nation once hung in the balance.
The trip’s centerpiece was an in-depth exploration of Pickett’s Charge, a bold yet devastating Confederate assault during the Battle of Gettysburg, which took place on July 3, 1863. This event, regarded as a turning point in the Civil War, served as the focus of the group’s historical investigation.
A Closer Look at Pickett’s Charge
“Pickett’s Charge was the culmination of the Battle of Gettysburg,” said Genesis Christian Academy history teacher Kenneth Hammontree. “It involved the advance of approximately 15,000 Confederate soldiers across nearly a mile of open ground toward 6,500 entrenched Union troops positioned along Cemetery Ridge. This ill-fated assault resulted in over 6,000 Confederate casualties and marked the end of Lee’s second and final invasion of the North. It was the beginning of the end for the Confederacy.”
Hammontree elaborated on the strategic significance of the charge, explaining that Confederate General Robert E. Lee ordered the attack believing that Union General George Meade had weakened his center to reinforce his flanks. Lee hoped this perceived vulnerability would allow his forces to break through the Union defenses. However, General James Longstreet, the commander of the Confederate corps under which the charge was ordered, famously expressed his doubts, warning Lee, “No 15,000 men who ever lived could ever take that position.”
The assault was preceded by a massive artillery barrage, the largest of its kind on the North American continent, beginning at 1:00 p.m. on July 3, 1863. Some 150 Confederate cannons unleashed their fury on the Union lines, hoping to weaken them before the infantry advanced. In response, around 75 Union cannons returned fire. However, as Hammontree pointed out, most of the Confederate shells overshot their targets, causing minimal damage and leaving the Union forces relatively unscathed.
When the shelling subsided, Confederate soldiers advanced in a line over a mile and a half long. They faced treacherous terrain, broken by fences that disrupted their ranks, and relentless fire from Union cannons and rifles. The bloodshed was catastrophic. As the Confederate soldiers struggled to reach the Union lines, they were met with deadly resistance. Despite some Confederate brigades reaching the Union position at the stone wall, the few who penetrated the line were quickly overwhelmed by a Union counterattack. Among them was General Lewis Armistead, who led the charge over the stone wall before falling mortally wounded in the thick of battle.
The tragic outcome of Pickett’s Charge was a sobering moment for the Confederate army. Over 4,900 Southern soldiers were killed, wounded, or captured in the assault. The Union victory at Gettysburg, combined with the fall of Vicksburg the next day, marked a decisive shift in the Civil War. As Hammontree reflected, “This moment would later become known as the ‘High Tide of the Confederacy’—the point at which the Southern cause was at its peak, but from which it would only decline.”
Bringing History to Life
Tyler Rice, the historian accompanying the group, emphasized the importance of field trips like this in making history come alive for students. “Walking the very ground where these monumental events took place allows students to understand the human experience behind the facts and figures. They can appreciate the bravery, the tragedy, and the complexities of the Civil War in a way that goes far beyond the classroom.”
For the students of Genesis Christian Academy, this field trip to Gettysburg offered a rare opportunity to connect with the past. As they stood on Cemetery Ridge, looking out over the fields that witnessed the charge, they were not just learning history—they were experiencing it.
This educational journey is one the students and staff will remember for years to come, deepening their understanding of a crucial chapter in American history and the sacrifices made by those who fought on both sides.
Historic Journey Through Gettysburg Battlefields: Little Round Top and Devil’s Den
October 18, 2024 – Gettysburg, PA: Genesis Christian Academy students took a step back in time on their educational field trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where they immersed themselves in the history of the famous 1863 battle that became a turning point in the American Civil War. Led by history teacher Kenneth Hammontree and Civil War historian Tyler Rice, the trip offered the 38 students, parents, and staff a chance to explore the grounds of the pivotal three-day conflict that shaped the nation’s history.
The educational experience centered around the key events of the Battle of Gettysburg, which took place from July 1 to July 3, 1863. As the group roamed the battlefield, historian Tyler Rice gave vivid recountings of the engagements, focusing particularly on two iconic sites—Little Round Top and Devil’s Den.
Bravery at Little Round Top
Standing on the historic Little Round Top, Rice transported the students back to July 2, 1863, a critical moment in the Union’s defense. “Little Round Top was more than just a rocky hill,” Rice explained. “It was the key to holding the Union’s left flank. Losing it would have meant disaster for the Union Army.” He then recounted the fierce fighting between the Confederate Army, led by General Robert E. Lee, and the Union forces under General George Meade.
Rice highlighted the heroism of Colonel Joshua Chamberlain and the 20th Maine Regiment. Vastly outnumbered and facing relentless assaults, Chamberlain’s forces clung to the high ground. When ammunition ran low and the Confederates threatened to break through, Chamberlain made a daring decision: he ordered a bayonet charge down the hill, which caught the Confederates off guard and forced them to retreat. “That charge saved the Union line,” Rice told the group, “and helped secure victory at Gettysburg.”
Little Round Top, with its steep and rocky terrain, became a symbol of tenacity and military brilliance, serving as a key highlight in the students’ understanding of the battle. Today, the site is preserved within Gettysburg National Military Park, where visitors can still walk the rugged trails and stand where soldiers fought with everything they had.
The Bloody Fight at Devil’s Den
From Little Round Top, the group moved on to another dramatic site of the battle—Devil’s Den. The large boulders and rocky formations that characterize this area made it an ideal stronghold during the fighting. On July 2, it became the site of chaotic, bloody combat, with both Union and Confederate soldiers locked in close-quarters battle.
Rice explained how the Union’s Fifth Corps tried to defend Devil’s Den from Confederate forces eager to break through the Union’s defenses. “The boulders made for excellent cover, but they also created confusion,” Rice shared, explaining how the rocky terrain turned the area into a deadly maze of ambushes and attacks. “Soldiers were disoriented, and the fighting was brutal.”
Both the Union and Confederate forces suffered heavy casualties in the fighting for Devil’s Den, which became one of the bloodiest engagements of the entire battle. The strategic importance of this position, coupled with the fierce combat, left a lasting legacy that students learned about firsthand as they stood among the boulders.
Bringing History to Life
For the students of Genesis Christian Academy, the trip to Gettysburg was more than just a history lesson—it was an opportunity to experience the events of the Civil War in a tangible way. As they walked the battlefield, Rice and Hammontree guided them through not just the strategies and outcomes of the conflict, but the human stories of courage, sacrifice, and resilience.
“Being here, seeing these places with my own eyes, makes it all so much more real,” said one student. “You can really feel the weight of what happened here.”
The trip offered a unique blend of education and reflection, leaving the students with a deep appreciation for the events that unfolded at Gettysburg and the broader implications of the Civil War. The visit to Gettysburg not only deepened their understanding of American history but also highlighted the importance of remembering the sacrifices that shaped the nation’s future.
Congress Township — On Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at approximately 2:30 p.m., The Wooster Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol was called to the scene of a two-vehicle fatal crash on West Britton Road (Township Road 0178) near Maple Valley Drive in Congress Township of Wayne County.
The on-scene investigation revealed that a gray 2019 Ford F-250 hauling a farm implement was entering the roadway from a field access to turn east onto West Britton Road. A green 2001 Harley Davidson Heritage Springer was traveling east on West Britton Road and struck the rear of the Ford F-250 as it was completing its turn.
The motorcyclist, George W. Wood Jr., 60, of Burbank, was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and was pronounced deceased on scene.
The driver of the Ford F-250, Andrew R. Stands, 42, of Creston, was not injured in the crash.
At this time, the crash remains under investigation. Alcohol and drugs are not believed to be contributing factors to the crash.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on the scene by Canaan Township Fire Department and EMS, Bear’s Towing, and the Wayne County Coroner’s Office.
The Strange Stories of the Battle of Gettysburg, 1863: A Field Trip Discovery
October 18, 2024 – Gettysburg, PA: Genesis Christian Academy students embarked on a journey into history during a field trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, exploring not just the well-known strategies and outcomes of the battle, but also the lesser-known, human stories of love and tragedy. Led by History teacher Kenneth Hammontree and historian Tyler Rice, the trip focused on the three-day conflict of July 1863, which forever changed the course of the American Civil War.
The trip served to bring history to life for the 38 students, parents, and staff members in attendance. As they walked the same grounds where Union and Confederate forces clashed, Hammontree began sharing a particularly poignant tale from the battle: the story of Mary Virginia “Jennie” Wade, the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg.
Jennie Wade: A Tragic Casualty of War
As Hammontree described, Jennie Wade’s story is a deeply human one, marked by both her untimely death and her unwavering bravery in the face of unimaginable danger. Wade, a 20-year-old woman, found herself in the middle of one of the most brutal engagements of the Civil War, not as a soldier but as a civilian trying to help others. On July 3, 1863, while kneading dough in her sister’s home, Wade was struck down by a stray Confederate bullet, becoming the only civilian casualty of the battle.
Despite the chaos surrounding her, Jennie had chosen to assist Union soldiers rather than hide in the cellar like many other civilians. She brought food and water to wounded soldiers, providing much-needed comfort amidst the horrors of battle. “Her courage is remembered, and her story resonates even today,” Hammontree told the group of students, some of whom were hearing this tragic tale for the first time.
One of the most heartbreaking aspects of Wade’s death was the discovery that she was carrying a photograph of her childhood sweetheart, Corporal Jack Skelly, a Union soldier who had been gravely wounded in an earlier battle. Their love story, cut short by war, is still shrouded in a degree of mystery and sorrow.
A Love Lost to War: Jack Skelly and Jennie Wade
Jack Skelly was wounded at the Battle of Carter’s Woods in June 1863, just days before the Battle of Gettysburg. While recovering in a Confederate hospital, Skelly encountered a strange twist of fate—his childhood friend, Wesley Culp, who had joined the Confederate army, was also at the same hospital. Culp had grown up in Gettysburg, like Skelly, but he fought for the South after moving to Virginia before the war. The odds of the two friends meeting in such a situation were incredibly slim.
Skelly, too injured to write, asked Culp to deliver a message to Jennie Wade, back home in Gettysburg. According to Hammontree, the message included a marriage proposal, though some historians debate whether Skelly and Wade were ever officially engaged. “It’s difficult to definitively know the truth after so many years,” Hammontree explained, “but Jennie’s sister, Georgia McClellan, believed they intended to marry in the fall of 1863.”
Unfortunately, neither Jennie nor Jack would live to see that day. Wade was killed in her sister’s home on July 3, 1863, while Skelly, unaware of her death, succumbed to his injuries just nine days later, on July 12. The letter Culp had carried, containing Jack’s proposal to Jennie, never made it to her. Wesley Culp himself died during the Battle of Gettysburg, on the very land where he grew up, and the letter was lost forever when he was buried in an unmarked grave.
The Unpredictability of War
The series of tragic events surrounding the Battle of Gettysburg highlights the strange twists of fate that occur during war. Wesley Culp’s choice to fight for the Confederacy, despite being from a Union state, is a story in itself. His chance encounter with Jack Skelly in a Confederate hospital, and his subsequent death just days later, adds another layer of heartbreak. “It’s a story of love, loss, and the unpredictability of war,” Hammontree said, his voice somber as he recounted the series of events that unfolded over the summer of 1863.
For the Genesis Christian Academy students, these personal stories brought the realities of war into sharp focus. As they stood on the same grounds where Wade, Skelly, and Culp had lived out their final days, the weight of history was profound. Hammontree remarked on the emotional impact of these tales. “We often focus on the battles and strategies, but it’s the human stories that make history truly resonate,” he said.
The students left Gettysburg with a new understanding of how war shapes not only nations but also individual lives. As Hammontree concluded his lesson, he announced that this was only the beginning of their exploration into the lesser-known, human stories of the Civil War. “In the next article,” he promised, “we’ll continue to uncover more of the strange and heart-wrenching stories that surround the Battle of Gettysburg.”
For many students, the trip was a deeply emotional experience, giving them a chance to connect with history in a way that textbooks often fail to do. The tragedy of Jennie Wade and Jack Skelly, interwoven with the strange fate of Wesley Culp, serves as a reminder of the cost of war—and the personal sacrifices made by those caught in its path.
The Ongoing Legacy
Gettysburg remains one of the most iconic battlefields in American history, but beyond the tactical and political significance, the stories of those who lived and died there are what continue to captivate and teach new generations. Genesis Christian Academy’s field trip brought to light these hidden narratives, offering students a chance to reflect on the personal dimensions of war.
As the group departed Gettysburg, the lessons they learned—about courage, love, and the unpredictable nature of fate—would stay with them long after they returned to the classroom. The strange stories of Gettysburg, like that of Jennie Wade and Jack Skelly, show that even in the darkest times, the human spirit endures.
Genesis Christian Academy Explores Gettysburg’s History on Educational Field Trip
October 18, 2024 – Gettysburg, PA: A group of 38 students, parents, and staff from Genesis Christian Academy embarked on an immersive historical journey to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, for a field trip designed to bring history to life. The group, led by History teacher Kenneth Hammontree and historian Tyler Rice, departed from the school at 6:00 a.m. on Friday to explore the battle that became a turning point in the Civil War.
The trip began in the early hours, with the students shaking off sleep and passing the six-hour bus ride by singing along to songs, including those by pop icon Taylor Swift. Their destination: the historic battleground where, over the course of three days in July 1863, the fate of the nation was forever changed.
Upon arriving in Gettysburg, the group enjoyed a boxed lunch at the Gettysburg Museum before checking into their hotel. Later that evening, they received a quick introduction to the key historical landmarks before gathering for a casual pizza dinner. To end their first day, they strolled through the streets of Gettysburg, soaking in the atmosphere before turning in for the night.
The second day began bright and early. After breakfast, the group set off to explore the sites in depth, beginning with a visit to the Jenny Wade House, where Hammontree recounted the tragic story of Jenny Wade, the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg. They stood before the very door that bears the bullet hole from the shot that ended her life. A visit to Wade’s grave followed, where Tyler Rice provided context on the nearby Gettysburg Address, delivered by President Abraham Lincoln just months after the battle.
One of the highlights of the day was the group’s experience at the Gettysburg Cyclorama, an enormous 360-degree painting created by French artist Paul Philippoteaux in 1884. The artwork vividly captures the drama of Pickett’s Charge, the climactic final assault of the battle.
At 3:45 p.m., the students retraced the steps of Confederate General George Pickett’s soldiers, walking the same open field where the infamous charge took place, bringing a new level of understanding to the battle’s intensity and the soldiers’ bravery.
On the final day of their trip, after a morning service at the cemetery, the group reflected on the trip’s powerful lessons before beginning the journey back to Ohio.
This field trip to Gettysburg offered Genesis Christian Academy students a unique opportunity to witness history firsthand, deepening their connection to the Civil War and its pivotal impact on American history.
Defendant Allegedly Created Large “Trump” Sign Used as a Battering Ram Against Police
WASHINGTON — An Ohio man has been arrested for allegedly assaulting law enforcement and other charges related to his alleged conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His alleged actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.
Jeffrey Newcomb, 41, of Polk, Ohio, is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with felony offenses of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers and obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder. In addition to the felonies, Newcomb is charged with misdemeanor offenses of entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds, disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, and disorderly conduct in a capitol building or grounds.
The FBI arrested Newcomb today in Polk, Ohio, and he will make his initial appearance in the Northern District of Ohio.
According to court documents, it is alleged that Newcomb created a large 13ft by 10ft custom metal sign, which read “Trump” and was supported by large casters about the size of a person’s head. Newcomb brought this sign with him as he traveled from Ohio to Washington. D.C., and participated in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.
Court documents say Newcomb was identified in video footage on the morning of January 6th carrying the sign onto the U.S. Capitol grounds. Images from that day depict Newcomb moving the sign around Constitution Avenue, NW, and other areas near the “Stop the Steal” rally near the White House. Later, Newcomb pulled the sign toward the southwest corner of the Capitol grounds with the help of several other rioters along the way. Newcomb and others then carried the sign up the Maryland Walkway, closer to the Capitol building.
It is alleged that Newcomb and others then carried the sign into a mob of rioters facing off against a police line on the West Plaza. Court documents say that Newcomb, with the assistance of others, passed the giant metal framed sign from the southwestern portion of the West Plaza mob toward the center front of the crowd. Rioters cheered the sign’s arrival, and many in the crowd helped pass it closer and closer to the police line as Newcomb carried the sign by one of its large casters.
At approximately 1:40 p.m., Newcomb and the sign reached the police line on the West Plaza. At this point, it is alleged that Newcomb still carried the sign by one of its casters. It is further alleged that Newcomb and other rioters then started pushing the sign on a path in order to ram it into the police line. At one point, Newcomb fell as he began to walk up the plaza’s steps, and the sign’s progression temporarily paused.
Newcomb got back up and grabbed the sign once again as the mob resumed pushing it forward. Just before the mob was about to hit the police line with the sign, Newcomb released the sign, allowing it to move further forward with the mob like a battering ram. As police officers struggled to address the danger caused by the sign, Newcomb dropped back and, at one point, supported rioters continuing to shove the sign toward the police line by pushing on rioters’ backs. The sign eventually struck police.
According to court documents, the sign could have easily knocked over police due to the frame’s sheer size and the sharp edges and corners, which were readily capable of causing slicing or splitting injuries. Police worked quickly to pull the sign away from the mob. It ultimately took over a dozen officers to completely remove the sign.
Newcomb remained on the West Plaza for some time until well after the West Plaza police line fell at approximately 2:30 p.m., and rioters swarmed onto the Inaugural stage.
This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio.
This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Cleveland and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.
In the 45 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,532 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 571 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.
A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Joe Lyons •
October 29, 2024
