Orange County Man Facing Federal Charges in Capitol Breach

Orange County Man Facing Federal Charges in Capitol Breach
Protesters supporting U.S. President Donald Trump gather near the east front door of the U.S. Capitol after groups breached the building's security in Washington on Jan. 06, 2021. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
City News Service
12/3/2021
Updated:
12/3/2021

SANTA ANA, Calif.—An Orange County man was arrested on charges related to the Jan. 6 Capitol breach, including unlawful entry, disorderly conduct, and demonstrating in a restricted government building, according to court papers obtained Dec. 3.

Michael G. McCormick, 51, of Orange, was charged last month in the District of Columbia after he was allegedly identified in widely circulated photographs and videos of people taking part in the breach, court documents show.

McCormick was matched to images of a man wearing a blue puffer jacket and “Trump 45” winter hat of the same color inside the Capitol during the breach, an affidavit filed with the criminal complaint alleges.

Information provided by American Airlines confirmed “Mike McCormick” flew from Santa Ana to Washington, D.C. prior to Jan. 6, 2021, and returned the day after the breach, the document states. A mobile device associated with his phone number was also allegedly present at the Capitol that day, according to the document.

Prosecutors allege that when McCormick entered the Capitol, he held up his cellphone, recording videos that were subsequently obtained by law enforcement. Stills from an 11-minute video allegedly filmed by the defendant as he walked through the restricted building were included in court documents.

McCormick was apparently arrested sometime last month in his hometown.

It was not immediately known when he is expected in the District of Columbia for arraignment.