POLK, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Jeffrey Newcomb, a 41-year-old resident of Polk in Ashland County, was arrested on Tuesday for his alleged involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Newcomb faces serious charges for reportedly using a large “Trump” sign as a weapon against law enforcement officers during the violent insurrection.
According to an affidavit from an FBI agent, Newcomb stated on social media that he brought the custom-made, metal-framed sign to the Capitol with the claim that “bullets are expensive.” The sign, which measured approximately 8 feet tall and 10 feet wide, was mounted on oversized wheels, making it a formidable object in the chaos of the riot.
In a now-deleted March 2023 Twitter post linked to Newcomb, he shared images of the sign amidst the crowd of Trump supporters at the Capitol. The post, in which he obscured his face with an emoji, read: “Went to Jan 6th to peacefully protest in the loudest way possible: With a 13 ft by 10 ft sign on a custom-made aluminum wagon. I spent $700 on this. Keeping my identity a secret because bullets are expensive.”
Newcomb faces felony charges for assaulting police and interfering with law enforcement during a civil disorder. He was expected to make his initial court appearance on Tuesday, though court records currently do not indicate whether he has legal representation.
The FBI’s investigation uncovered that several individuals involved in the Capitol riot have also been charged with utilizing a similar large Trump sign as a battering ram against police officers. Video evidence shows Newcomb maneuvering the sign near Trump’s “Stop the Steal” rally, with fellow rioters assisting in its transport into the crowd.
Witnesses reported that rioters cheered as the sign was pushed closer to the police line. Although Newcomb released the sign before it was forced against the officers, he was seen pushing against the backs of others continuing to advance it. The FBI emphasized that the sign’s considerable size and sharp edges posed significant injury risks to law enforcement.
The January 6 Capitol riot has led to over 1,500 individuals facing federal charges, with approximately 1,200 having pleaded guilty or been convicted. More than 1,000 defendants have been sentenced, with around two-thirds receiving prison terms ranging from a few days to 22 years.