The former top editor of a New York-based Jewish newspaper was arrested Thursday on charges related to the January 6 attack on the Capitol.
The charges against Elliot Resnick, who was arrested in Manhattan, include obstructing law enforcement and assaulting officers. At the time of the riot, Resnick worked for The Jewish Press of Brooklyn.
Resnick, 39, is alleged to have been one of the first rioters to make his way inside the Capitol through the East Rotunda Doors. According to court documents, he was among a group that climbed the stairs when the police line near East Plaza collapsed and entered the building illegally.
An FBI investigator said in court documents that leading up to the riot, Resnick had repeatedly posted on social media questioning the 2020 election results. He is alleged to have written in a post on Parlour, “When you openly break election laws, there must be consequences.”
The FBI investigator said the January 6 video showed Resnick reaching out and holding the hand of a Capitol Police officer who was using a chemical deterrent to prevent rioters from breaking down the Capitol doors.
Court documents state that after the doors were broken down, Resnick dragged other rioters with him into the Capitol and remained in the building for about an hour. Resnick is seen walking around the restricted Capitol grounds after leaving the building in Washington, D.C., police body camera video.
At the time of the riot, Resnick was employed by The Jewish Press, where he served in various roles for 14 years before becoming editor in chief. He left in May 2021.
In response to an April 2021 Politico article about Resnick’s presence at the Capitol on January 6, the editorial board of The Jewish Press said in a statement that Resnick was “covering the terrible events of the rally and the rest of the day” for the paper. .
“The Jewish press does not see why Elliott’s personal views on former President Trump should differ from those of dozens of other reporters covering events, including inside the Capitol Building during the riots, nor should his presence justify an article in Politico.” Why do you decide?” There is no presence of other journalists inside the building,” the board said.
Resnick and The Jewish Press did not immediately respond to requests for comment Thursday evening.
At least 1,000 people have been arrested in connection with the January 6 incident, according to the Justice Department, including more than 320 charged with assault or obstructing law enforcement.
