The Justice Department has charged a Pennsylvania man with attacking an Associated Press photographer during the Capitol insurrection on January 6
Alan Byerly, who is one of many Capitol riot defendants arrested recently in connection with attacks on journalists or media equipment, is accused of several federal crimes, including assault on a federal officer, obstructing law enforcement and the assault against the photographer. He hasn't yet entered a plea. The gang assault against the AP photographer was captured on video.
Last week, the Justice Department rounded up several new defendants accused of destroying thousands of dollars' worth of professional broadcast equipment outside the Capitol, in a scene captured on multiple videos showing supporters of former President Donald Trump gleefully taking out their anger at the mainstream media.Among the pile of equipment were some items marked as belonging to The Associated Press. Prosecutors say one media outlet lost more than $30,000 worth of equipment.