A Texas man, who was supposedly involved in a back channel of the Proud Boys responsible for organizing logistics during the extremist group’s attack on Washington, D.C. on January 6, 2021, has been arrested once again. He was initially apprehended by the authorities on the day of the assault on the U.S. Capitol.
Steve Saxiones, a 46-year-old resident of Cedar Hill, was arrested in Texas on Wednesday, as confirmed by the Justice Department. The allegations against Saxiones, detailed in a 13-page statement of facts filed by an FBI agent on March 26, encompass a range of charges. These charges include felony obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder and assault on a federal officer. Saxiones is also accused of five misdemeanors, such as disorderly conduct in a restricted building and engaging in acts of physical violence.
According to the FBI statement of facts, Saxiones was one of the rioters who was apprehended and taken into custody by the U.S. Capitol Police on January 6. However, he was released later that same day at around 4:30 p.m. The U.S. Capitol Police detention report mentioned that there was “no complainant for the offense” and Saxiones was discharged without any charges. This description is understandable considering the chaotic circumstances during the arrest, as the officer did not have sufficient time to complete the intake process due to the ongoing breach of the complex.
Steve Saxiones was released from U.S. Capitol Police custody at 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 6, 2021. Photos courtesy of the U.S. Justice Department.
According to the FBI, Saxiones stated on the form that he was a “2nd degree” member of the Proud Boys and had been affiliated with the group since 2018. It is alleged that after filling out the form, Henry “Enrique” Tarrio, the former leader of the group, included Saxiones and another applicant who claimed to be from the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Telegram records indicate that this individual went by the name “Long Winded SOB.”
Just two days prior to January 6th, “Long Winded SOB” reached out to the MOSD, expressing his intention to travel to Washington, D.C. alongside Saxiones. Flight records indicated that Saxiones flew from Dallas to Baltimore, Maryland, with a layover in Miami.
Surveillance footage captures Saxiones meeting up with Proud Boys members Dominic Pezzola, Aaron Sauer, and William Pepe at a Marriott hotel shortly before midnight. Although Pezzola was acquitted of seditious conspiracy, he was convicted on various other charges. Sauer is facing charges of civil disorder and assault, while Pepe is charged with conspiracy, obstruction of an official proceeding, and additional offenses.
According to prosecutors, an examination of records reveals that leading up to the attack on the U.S. Capitol, the MOSD channel was filled with text messages discussing the possibility of violence. These conversations included mentions of stacking bodies “in front of Capitol Hill” and strategies on how “normies” (non-members) could be valuable in breaching police lines. The records also indicate that Saxiones, one of the individuals involved, inquired about bringing body armor, specifically a Kevlar vest, to Washington, D.C. He also sought advice on disguising himself and inquired about the communication plans for the day, including the use of Baofeng two-way handheld programmable radios.
During the trial for the seditious conspiracy of the Proud Boys, it was member Matthew Greene who provided testimony. He revealed that in order to enhance communication among the Proud Boys on January 6th, he assisted in programming Baofeng radios for the group. Additionally, he wore an earpiece that was connected to one of these radios.
Saxiones joined a separate encrypted chat called “Boots on Ground” that originated from the Ministry of Self Defense network. This exclusive group was specifically created for Proud Boys members who were anticipated to be at the Capitol on January 6th. As the breach commenced, this chat served as a platform for coordination and mutual encouragement among its members.
According to the FBI, a user wrote, “We are currently storming the Capitol building!”
According to reports, Saxiones purportedly shared a single message with the group at approximately 4:49 p.m. on January 6th.
“I just got out of police custody. Where are you all at?” he wrote.
As of now, Saxiones has not hired a lawyer, as indicated by a review of his case on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia docket.
