WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — A Gorham man was arrested Thursday on federal charges for his alleged involvement in the deadly January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.
Nicholas Patrick Hendrix, 34, is charged with four misdemeanors:
- Knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority
- Disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds
- Violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds
- Parade, demonstrate, or picket in any of the Capitol buildings
According to a criminal complaint filed by FBI Boston agent Kristina Troxel, the FBI was notified Jan. 11 by an online tipster that Hendrix was overheard talking about the U.S. Capitol and showed video from there saying he had been pepper-sprayed.
On Jan. 21, Hendrix met with the FBI and admitted he was inside the Capitol on Jan. 6, but said he did not break or take anything while there. He explained he traveled by bus from Boston to Washington on Jan. 5, arriving in Washington on the morning of Jan. 6. He said he then followed a mass of people to the Capitol and said the crowd “pushed” themselves into the building, where he claims he stayed for only “a minute or two” before leaving, the complaint says.
When he tried to go back in a second time, he was pepper-sprayed and then left the area, Hendrix said.
According to the complaint, Hendrix admitted he knew it was illegal to enter the Capitol building.
Hendrix allowed the FBI to see photos and video from his phone, which show him inside the Capitol on Jan. 6, according to the complaint. He can also be seen on Capitol Police video surveillance footage inside the Capitol near the Rotunda door.
Hendrix made his first court appearance via video Thursday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge John H. Rich III.
Two of the misdemeanor charges carry up to one year in prison each and/or a $100,000 fine, as well as supervised release for up to one year. The other two charges each carry up to six months in prison and up to a $5,000 fine.
After the hearing, Hendrix was released on bond with the following conditions:
- No travel outside of Maine without permission from a supervising officer
- No travel to Washington D.C., except for court
- No travel outside of the U.S.
- Must comply with supervisor's order for mental health counseling
- No firearms or destructive devices (firearms have been removed from his house)
- No alcohol use
- No use or possession of controlled substances, including marijuana
- Must participate in drug or alcohol counseling at the direction of the supervisor
- Must notify supervisor of any law enforcement contact, no matter how minor or inconsequential
His next hearing is scheduled for June 3 at 1 p.m.
Hendrix is the second Mainer to face federal charges in relation to the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol. Kyle Fitzsimons of Lebanon was arrested and charged in February.