In First, US Hits Jan. 6 Defendant With Little-Used Firearms Charge

The U.S. Capitol is seen with law enforcement officers outside in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, 2021. Samuel Corum/Getty Images

Federal prosecutors have applied a little-used law against a man accused of obstructing the congressional proceedings on Jan. 6, asserting he transported a gun and used it in furtherance of a civil disorder.

In a superseding indictment (pdf) against Guy Reffitt released this week, the Texas man was charged with two violations of federal civil disorder law for actions allegedly taken in Washington on Jan. 6.