Army soldier assaults police officer with flagpole during Capitol riot

A U.S. Army soldier, Alexander Cain Poplin, was arrested in Hawaii for his involvement in the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. He is accused of assaulting a police officer with a flagpole during the violent attack on the Capitol, where lawmakers were certifying President Biden's electoral victory. The FBI began investigating Poplin after receiving a tip about his social media posts, where he expressed support for the riot and claimed to have 'taken back' the Capitol. Poplin was identified by his military supervisor in a photograph taken during the riot, where he was seen carrying a flagpole and an 'Area Closed' sign. Video evidence reportedly shows him striking a Metropolitan Police Department officer with the flagpole. He faces multiple charges, including felony counts of interfering with police during a civil disorder and assaulting an officer with a dangerous weapon. The incident is part of a larger investigation into the Capitol riot, which has led to nearly 1,500 individuals being charged with federal crimes. While many of the rioters were military veterans, only a few were active duty at the time of the attack. The violence resulted in injuries to approximately 140 police officers, highlighting the severity of the situation. Poplin's arrest underscores the ongoing legal repercussions for those involved in the Capitol riot, as authorities continue to pursue justice for the events of that day. His initial court appearance was scheduled shortly after his arrest, and the case reflects the broader implications of the riot on law enforcement and military personnel.