Muskogee Man Charged In Capitol Siege Makes First Court Appearance

Federal prosecutors gave more details Monday about the case of a Muskogee man who has been charged with breaking into the U.S. Capitol building on January 6.

Court documents said photos on social media show Andrew Ericson inside the capitol.

Ericson is the first Oklahoman accused of being linked to the D.C. riots. He appeared before a federal judge Monday in Muskogee just 19 days after prosecutors said he posted a video at the capitol on social media.  A Snapchat photo and an anonymous tip led to the arrest of 23-year-old Ericson last week.  

Investigators said Ericson is seen in a photo sitting in House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's Office.  According to an affidavit, that photo and video was enough for an acquaintance to reach out to federal prosecutors, saying they were "1,000 percent certain of the identity of Andrew Ericson in the Snapchat livestream it saw." 

U.S. Attorney Brian Kuester said he was shocked with the capitol riots, and disappointed an Oklahoman was involved.  

"It's disappointing to say the least, to say the very least disturbing and I just hope that never happens again," Kuester said.   

Ericson is charged with entering a restricted building, as well as disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. Kuester said Ericson was arrested in Muskogee, and will go to court in Muskogee.  However, he's facing charges from the U.S. Attorney's Office in D.C.  

Kuester said having charges from other districts is common, but Ericson's case is unusual for its national spotlight. 

"The one thing that's on usual for this particular crime and the event surrounding at are very high-profile, so a lot of people are aware of that," Kuester said. 

Kuester said he cannot comment on the amount of jailtime Ericson could face, due to the ongoing investigation. News on 6 reached out to Ericson's family and have not heard back.