One of the defendants in the January assault on the Capitol served in the US Marine Corps helicopter squadron, which transports the President of the country and other dignitaries. The Washington Post writes about this with reference to officials.
According to the newspaper, 35-year-old suspect John Daniel Andris was the squadron's crew chief. He was arrested last month on charges of two serious crimes, including violent infiltration and hooliganism on congressional grounds. The Marine Corps veteran pleads not guilty.
He reportedly joined the Marine Corps in 2004 and joined the Marine Helicopter Squadron two years later. The publication indicates that the members of this squadron must undergo special checks and have access to classified information. Andris left the Marine Corps in November 2009 with the rank of Lance Corporal.
Supporters of former US President Donald Trump broke into the Capitol on January 6, when congressmen were supposed to confirm the politician's defeat in the presidential elections. The protesters remained in the building for several hours until the police were able to drive them out. Law enforcers used tear gas, batons and firearms. Five people died, including a congressional security officer.
