Another Illinois resident is facing charges for his alleged involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at the United States Capitol.
Lawrence Ligas, 62, was arrested on Wednesday, Dec. 1.
He is facing four counts in connection with the Capitol riot:
- Entering and Remaining in a Restricted Building or Grounds
- Disorderly and Disruptive Conduct in a Restricted Building or Grounds
- Disorderly Conduct in a Capitol Building
- Parading, Demonstrating, or Picketing in a Capitol Building
Ligas told ABC 7 Chicago's I-Team on Wednesday, "Freedom isn't free," after he was released by the judge on Wednesday.
A tip to the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Threat Operations Center (NTOC) on Jan. 11, 2021, led authorities to Ligas.
The individual said Lawrence Ligas was quoted by name in a National Public Radio article entitled "Trump Supporters Storm U.S. Capitol, Clash with Police" that described individuals outside the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021.
A search warrant revealed a mobile device associated with the Gmail account l.j.ligas@gmail.com was at and inside the U.S. Capitol during the time of the riot on Jan. 6, 2021.
A YouTube video titled "Lots of cops downtown Washington DC" was livestreamed and reportedly showed Ligas in Washington D.C.
Ligas is also seen on several U.S. Capitol security cameras inside the building on Jan. 6, according to the FBI.
Agents said they were able to identify Ligas due to an American flag-style scarf around his neck, the same one he was wearing in the YouTube video.
Southwest Airlines records show Ligas boarded a flight to Arlington, Virginia on Jan. 5 and headed back to the midwest on Jan. 7.
The Democratic Party of Illinois claims Ligas had been working with and representing the campaign of Darren Bailey.
Bailey is currently running for Illinois governor as a Republican.
Democratic Party of Illinois Executive Director Abby Witt released the following statement:
“The January 6 attack on our democracy was one of the darkest days in our nation’s history. Now, we find out that one of the attackers has since been working with and representing the campaign of Darren Bailey, a Republican candidate for governor. When it comes to the traitors of January 6, there must be no equivocation: Darren Bailey must immediately denounce Mr. Ligas and revoke any and all association with him at once. The governor’s office is no place for associates of traitors to this great nation.”
According to Joe DeBose, Bailey for Illinois communications director, tells NewsChannel 20/FOX Illinois that Ligas never worked on their campaign.
“We're shocked by this news and we do not condone any illegal activities. He has never been a member of our campaign staff. We support law and order and trust the court system to ensure anyone breaking the law is held accountable for their actions."
Two press releases for Darren Bailey events on Oct. 31, 2021, list Lawrence Ligas as the contact for the event. One of the events was a fundraiser while the other was a FABB rally in Chicago.