The more information that comes out about the Capitol riot, the clearer it becomes that it was attended by a lot of folks who really had no business being there. I mean no one had any business rioting at the Capitol, but a former FBI employee who held top secret security clearance really shouldโve known better than to allegedly attempt insurrection.
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The Associated Press reports that Thomas Caldwell is a Navy vet who worked as a section chief for the FBI from 2009 to 2010. Caldwell is one of three people who authorities allege to be a leader of the extremist group, the Oath Keepers. Caldwell has been charged with conspiracy and authorities believe he played a role in plotting the raid in advance.
From the Associated Press:
The defense said Caldwell, who has denied being part of the Oath Keepers, has held a top-secret security clearance since 1979, which required multiple special background investigations, according to Plofchan. Caldwell also ran a consulting firm that did classified work for the U.S. government, the lawyer said.
โHe has been vetted and found numerous times as a person worthy of the trust and confidence of the United States government, as indicated by granting him Top Secret clearances,โ Plofchan wrote.
Most section chiefs within the FBI rise through the ranks of the bureau and it is unclear whether Caldwell wouldโve been directly hired for that position or whether he held any other positions with the bureau. The FBI did not immediately comment Monday evening and Caldwellโs lawyer didnโt immediately answer questions about his clientโs work.
Caldwell was arrested on Jan.19 and has been under house arrest since. His attorneys claim that Caldwell couldnโt have participated in the riot as he is โ100% disabled veteranโ that has back, shoulder, and knee problems related to a โservice-connected injury.โ
I love how they keep pushing the vet narrative. โSure, he allegedly attempted treason, but remember that one time he served his country?โ
Charging documents include messages that were allegedly sent to Caldwell before and during the riot. While Caldwellโs attorneys say he didnโt participate in the riot, the messages reveal he certainlyโexcuse meโallegedly played a role in coordinating it. Facebook messages show that Caldwell discussed booking hotel rooms near the Capitol with other Oath Keepers. One of the messages sent to Caldwell said: โWill probably call you tomorrow โฆ mainly because โฆ I like to know wtf plan is. You are the man COMMANDER.โ
The messages didnโt end there either. During the riot, Caldwell received multiple messages about the location of legislators. One message said โall members are in the tunnels under the capital,โ according to court documents, AP notes. โSeal them in turn on gas,โ it said. Other messages include โTom all legislators are down in the Tunnels 3floors downโ and โgo through back house chamber doors facing N left down hallway down steps.โ
Yโall, they called this man out by name while committing a federal crime. The most crime Iโve ever committed was illegally downloading Tha Carter III in high school, but even I know that you donโt use names while breaking the law. They never saw Reservoir Dogs?
Caldwell is one of about 200 people who have been charged in relation to the riot at the Capitol on Jan. 6. Officials have said that a special group of prosecutors have been tasked with determining if sedition charges should be brought forth.
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