Capitol riot suspect Shane Jenkins denied release while awaiting trial

A man arrested in Wellington on charges related to the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol attack must remain in jail until his trial, a federal judge ordered Tuesday. Shane Jenkins, of Houston, is a danger to the community and a flight risk, according to papers filed by prosecutors in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. Judge Amit Mehta was inclined to agree, denying a request by Jenkins' counsel to have him released. He considered allegations the suspect destroyed property while attempting to break into the Capitol — all caught on video, according to the FBI. In his decision, Mehta weighed footage showing Jenkins apparently throwing a flagpole and a desk drawer toward police. Jenkins is charged with a slew of counts, from assaulting and impeding police officers to theft of government property, civil disorder and taking a weapon onto restricted federal grounds. Working from a tip in the weeks following the deadly attack, the FBI found Jenkins had publicly posted a video on Facebook showing himself at the Capitol riots. It shows him using a metal tomahawk to repeatedly strike a window, according to court documents. They note the repair bill was $1,500. Another security video from the Capitol grounds allegedly shows Jenkins "at the front line of the rioters, taking a leading role in pushing against" police "and attempting to take a riot shield from the officers, resulting in him being pepper-sprayed," said a document filed by prosecutors in opposition to his request to be released from jail. Jenkins' identity in videos, including body camera footage, was confirmed by his former parole officer, matching tattoos, the clothing he was wearing and American Airlines flight records. A review of his Facebook chat logs also was conducted with a warrant. They "showed that instead of remorse for his actions on Jan. 6, defendant continued to believe he was justified in assaulting the police and attacking the Capitol," according to court papers. "In a conversation dated January 7, 2021, defendant falsely stated that the events at the Capitol were 'peaceful' and said that his experience at the Capitol 'was amazing' and that he wanted 'them' to know 'we are deadly serious.'" Jenkins also allegedly messaged a friend that if an audit of the 2020 presidential election were not done, then "we the people can take further measures." In attempting to secure his release, Jenkins' attorney argued there's no evidence to suggest he was part of any extremist organization such as the Proud Boys or Oath Keepers. Nor did videos show him actively pushing against officers, the defense said in a filing. "In fact, a video that was produced to the defense on May 17, 2021, shows that Mr. Jenkins was attempting to help an officer who was pulled into the crowd by helping to lead him to a doorway where he would be safe," the federal public defender wrote. "... His intentions in all the confusion is made clear when he gives a 'thumbs up' as soon as the officer reaches safety." Jenkins didn't necessarily take a tomahawk to the Capitol to engage in violence, the defense said — his online messages actually imply he took it for self-protection "in the event there is a war." According to the FBI, Jenkins was arrested March 17 in Wellington. No information is given as to why he was there, or whether he may have connections to fellow Capitol siege defendant Clifford Mackrell, who is a Wellington resident. Jenkins' next court date is June 28, and Mackrell is set to appear next June 30. Both have pleaded not guilty to all charges related to the attack, which disrupted the certification of Electoral College votes and forced a mass evacuation of members of Congress. Contact Jason Hawk at (440) 329-7122 or news@lcnewspapers.com.