Newly discovered video footage from the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot implicates a participant firing a gun into the air during the chaotic events outside the Capitol building. As reported by NBC News on February 10, 2024, the individual in question, previously identified as John Emanuel Banuelos, is believed to be the same person associated with Capitol Violence in FBI records dating back three years.
Despite multiple videos and images depicting Banuelos with what appears to be a firearm during the riot, he has yet to face charges related to the January 6 events. Instead, he faced legal trouble in connection with the fatal stabbing of Christopher Thomas Senn in July 2021. The Salt Lake City District Attorney’s office, however, declined to pursue the case against him, citing a claim of self-defense.
Banuelos, previously known as individual No. 200 in FBI records, had made statements alluding to his involvement in the Capitol riot during interactions with law enforcement. He expressed a desire for the FBI to apprehend him and referenced being directed by Donald Trump, hinting at a connection to the events at the Capitol.
Newly obtained footage from another Jan. 6 rioter, Derrick Evans, reveals Banuelos allegedly firing the gun