In an interview with local ABC affiliate, WSIL TV3, #SIULAW Prof. Steve Macias discusses how social media was used by authorities investigating the Capitol riot to make an arrest

MARION (WSIL) -- A man wanted for his role in the riot at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. on January 6 was arrested in Marion on Tuesday according to Nathan Stump, an assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Illinois.

Mathew Capsel, 27, of Chicago, who allegedly goes by “Mateo Q Capsel” on his social media accounts, was identified in TikTok videos by a former neighbor and a friend on Facebook according to an affidavit.

The F.B.I. was able to identify Capsel by the tattoos on his face and neck, as well as the clothes he is wearing in screenshots and videos showing him fighting with National Guardsmen until he is pepper sprayed.

Federal charges were filed in the District of Columbia. Capsel is accused of:

• Knowingly violating, entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority.
• Knowingly engaging in an act of physical violence against persons or property in any building or grounds.
• Forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating or interfering with any officer or employee of the United States while engaged in or on account of official duties.
• Committing an act to obstruct, impede or interfere with law enforcement officers lawfully engaged in the performance of their official duties.

Watch the video here.