Baker County

U.S. Capitol riots: Macclenny man arrested by FBI for ‘violent entry’

MACCLENNY, Fla. — A Baker County man was arrested by special agents with the FBI for his participation “in the riot and assault on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021,” the FBI announced Thursday.

Bradley Weeks, 43, of Macclenny faces two misdemeanors:

  • Knowingly Entering or Remaining in any Restricted Building or Grounds Without Lawful Authority;
  • Violent Entry and Disorderly Conduct on Capitol Grounds

If convicted of both charges, Weeks could face up to 18 months in prison and fines up to $105,000.

According to the FBI’s statement of facts, Weeks posted a video (which was later removed, but sent to the FBI by a person who had preserved it) “detailing his and others invasion of the Capitol building.”

Weeks can be seen on the video, saying,

“We’ve reached the steps. We’ve had to climb scaffolding. We’ve had to climb ladders. We’ve had to break things to get through, but we’ve gotten through. We’ve gotten through, and we are going to take back the Capitol! We’re taking back our country! This is our 1776! This is where it’s gonna happen! This is where Tyranny will fall! This is where America will rise! Look at this, America! Look at this!”

Bradley Weeks screenshots from FBI

The FBI said Weeks was featured in an article that appeared in the Baker County Press on Jan. 14, 2021.

The second paragraph of the article states, “During the uproar, Brad Weeks said in a direct message to The Press he inhaled some tear gas after scaling a wall outside the Capitol Building before going inside but was otherwise alright.”

Weeks told the reporter that he was inside of the Capitol and had been sprayed with gas but that he was otherwise good.

Weeks made his first appearance at the federal courthouse in downtown Jacksonville on Thursday. He was released on a $5,000 unsecured bond.

Conditions of Weeks’ release include electronic G.P.S. monitoring, travel restrictions limited to the Middle District of Florida, and he’s also not allowed to apply for a passport or other travel documents.

The judge said Weeks must not have access to his firearms, but can turn his guns over to a family member or friend.

In court Thursday, Weeks admitted to using marijuana on Wednesday night. The judge mandated Weeks to not consume alcohol excessively or use narcotics.

Weeks is scheduled for a virtual court appearance before a judge in Washington D.C. on Jan. 26.

Weeks’ Macclenny neighbor, Dani Fletcher, tells Action News Jax she believes he’s being treated unfairly.

“Mr. Weeks is a wonderful, wonderful neighbor,” said Fletcher. “And I’m proud to have him as a neighbor.”

The Baker County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol assisted in the investigation.

Rachel L. Rojas, Special Agent in Charge for FBI Jacksonville, released the following statement:

“The arrest of Bradley Weeks is yet another example of the FBI’s commitment to hold accountable those who seek to incite violence or wreak havoc on our established institutions. In the days ahead, FBI Jacksonville will not waver in our efforts to coordinate with local, state, and federal partners and find justice for the acts committed at the U.S. Capitol. We appreciate the partnership of the Florida Highway Patrol, Baker County Sheriff’s Office and the Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office in this investigation. We ask the public to continue submitting tips about individuals who incited or promoted violence of any kind during the siege to 1-800-CALL-FBI or www.fbi.gov/USCapitol.”

TO SEE IMAGES FROM CURRENT CASES, CLICK HERE

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