Princeton student arrested for alleged violent assault on police during Capitol riot

A 21-year-old Princeton University student, Larry Fife Giberson, has been arrested for allegedly participating in a “violent assault” on police officers outside the US Capitol Building during the January 6, 2021, riot.

Giberson was seen in footage near the front of a mob of lawbreakers attempting to push their way into the federal building. According to the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, he cheered as Capitol police were pepper-sprayed and shouted “drag them out!” at least three times at a tunnel leading to the building.

Giberson was taken into custody more than two years after the riot when images of him caught on tape at the Capitol matched photos found on Instagram and Princeton’s website.

An FBI agent’s affidavit states that Giberson and others got into a heated confrontation with cops guarding the Lower West Terrace tunnel entrance as they tried to force their way into the building by coordinating a “heave-ho” shove against the police line.

One officer was crushed between a door and shield held by a rioter with Giberson at the front of the mob, according to prosecutors.

The US Attorney’s Office said that shortly after, Giberson rushed the tunnel entryway and signaled for more rioters to join him before returning to the tunnel to take part in another round of coordinated pushing against the police line.

Eventually, police officers were able to gain control of the tunnel and clear everyone, including Giberson out.

Giberson was charged with a felony, civil disorder, and other related misdemeanors. He was in the tunnel for about an hour, according to an affidavit.

The Princeton University spokesperson confirmed that Giberson is currently enrolled as an undergrad at the university. Giberson wore a “Make America Great Again” hat and a Trump flag around his neck at the time of the riot, according to the affidavit.

It is unclear if Giberson attended the “Stop the Steal” rally where former President Trump spoke in the waning days of his presidency. About 1,000 people have been arrested for their role in the Capitol riot so far.