“He has held a Top Secret Security Clearance since 1979 and has undergone multiple Special Background Investigations in support of his clearances,” Caldwell’s lawyer argued.
A man who was charged for conduct related to the Jan 6 Capitol Hill riot has claimed that he is, in fact, an FBI agent who holds top security clearances, The Hill reports.
A lawyer working on behalf of Thomas Edward Caldwell made the claim in a court filing where he argued for his client to be released from custody while awaiting trial.
Caldwell has been accused of being a leader of the Oath Keepers, an American militia group. While the group describes itself as non-partisan, many observers have described it as promoting far-right anti-government extremism. Caldwell has denied being a part of the group.
Caldwell is facing four federal charges in relation to the storming of Capitol Hill, including conspiracy to commit an offense.
According to the FBI, Caldwell was caught on video leading a group of protesters "aggressively approaching the Capitol."
He also allegedly sent a Facebook message from inside the Capitol saying "[us] storming the castle. Please share. Sharon was right with me! I am such an instigator! She was ready for it man! Didn’t even mind the tear gas."
"He has held a Top Secret Security Clearance since 1979 and has undergone multiple Special Background Investigations in support of his clearances," Caldwell's lawyer argued.
His lawyer further claimed that Caldwell was an FBI section chief for a year and that he conducts consulting services on behalf of various government agencies.
More than 200 people have been arrested in connection to the storming of the Capitol since Jan 6.
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