Protester From Pelosi’s Desk Photo Looking for ‘Wicked Attorney’

Many around the nation have complained about the ease at which many of those involved in the events of January 6th were able to leave the Capitol grounds, and head back to their hotels and homes.  Many were simply flabbergasted at their ability to step away unmolested after what had just occurred.

That strange confluence has provided us with an even stranger headline today, as one of the most infamous of the raiders – a man who was identified early in the search for the perpetrators – is going on talk radio shows and looking for lawyers.

The man photographed sitting at a desk in Nancy Pelosi’s office during the Capitol Hill riots has been identified by the media as Richard Barnett of Arkansas – and he is now insisting he is “not a thief” despite allegedly swiping a letter addressed by the House speaker.

Barnett, as of midday Thursday, does not appear to be facing any charges related to the storming of the U.S. Capitol Wednesday, which resulted in four deaths and at least 70 arrests. Demonstrators are still being sought by police.

“If you are a wicked attorney get in touch with me – I’m going to need one or two,” he told KFSM in a phone interview following the chaos.

And then, offering up a preview of a likely defense:

“As I’m looking for the bathroom I walked by and there were doors opened to offices. I looked in and saw it was Nancy Pelosi’s office,” he told KFSM.

“I sat down here in my desk. I’m a taxpayer. I’m a patriot. That ain’t her desk – we loaned her that desk,” he continued. “And she ain’t appreciating the desk, so I thought I would sit down and appreciate the desk.”

Barnett said at that point he realized he was cut and had “bled on her envelope.” One of the viral images appears to show blood on his left thumb.

“So I picked up the envelope and I put it in my pocket and I put a quarter on the desk. Cause I’m not a thief,” he told KSFM.

As of this writing, Barnett remains on the lam.