Trump rally speaker charged over Capitol riot

A conservative activist and speaker at a “Stop the Steal” rally held the day before pro-Trump rioters stormed the US Capitol has been arrested for his alleged role in the insurrection on 6 January, reports say.

Brandon Straka, 44, of New York was taken into custody on Monday on a felony charge of interfering with police during civil disorder, and illegal entry and disorderly conduct on restricted Capitol grounds, The Washington Post reported.

Earlier this month, Trump supporters breached the Capitol as lawmakers gathered to certify Joe Biden’s win in the 2020 election, demanding the result be overturned.

The mob vandalised Capitol property and looted the building, smashing windows and ransacking offices, forcing lawmakers to evacuate and causing a delay to the certification.