Oklahoma man accused in Capitol breach ordered released

MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) — A federal judge on Monday ordered a Muskogee, Oklahoma, man arrested for allegedly taking part in the storming of the U.S. Capitol this month to be released on $10,000 bond.

Federal court records show U.S. Magistrate Judge Kimberly West ordered 23-year-old Andrew Craig Ericson’s release following his initial appearance in Muskogee, which is about 125 miles (200 kilometers) east of Oklahoma City. The release order requires Ericson to surrender his passport, not possess any illegal firearms and to avoid contact with any codefendants.

Ericson is charged in a two-count federal complaint with unlawful entry on restricted buildings or grounds and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. He’s been ordered to appear by video conference before a federal judge in Washington, D.C., on Friday.

Authorities allege Ericson livestreamed video of himself entering the Capitol with other rioters and taking beer out of a Capitol refrigerator. He’s also accused of posting photos of himself posing in House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office, including one in which he had his feet propped up on a conference room table, according to an FBI agent’s affidavit.

A telephone message left Monday with Ericson’s attorney, Neil Van Dalsem, wasn’t immediately returned.

Ericson is the first Oklahoman to be arrested in connection with the Jan. 6 invasion of the Capitol.