John Banuelos fires gun at Capitol during January 6 riot

John Banuelos was involved in a significant incident during the January 6 Capitol riot, where he fired a .38 revolver into the air while standing on a scaffold. Despite being identified as the only rioter to discharge a firearm that day, he remained at large for over three years. His arrest came after a violent altercation in Salt Lake City, which resulted in the death of another man, Chris Senn. Banuelos had a history of violent behavior, raising concerns among local authorities about his potential for further harm. In the aftermath of the Capitol riot, Banuelos was reportedly in a relationship and living in a park, where he made statements to police that indicated his involvement in both the riot and the subsequent fatal incident. He acknowledged his actions during the riot and expressed a willingness to face the consequences. However, it remains unclear whether local police communicated his admissions to federal authorities in a timely manner. The video evidence of Banuelos at the Capitol has been described as shocking, prompting discussions about responsible gun ownership and the implications of his actions. His attorney argued that Banuelos did not intend to harm anyone during the riot, suggesting that he was swept up in the chaotic atmosphere of the event. The case highlights the complexities of accountability in the wake of the January 6 events, as well as the challenges law enforcement faced in tracking down individuals involved in the riot. Banuelos' actions and subsequent arrest raise questions about the effectiveness of the response to the violence that occurred that day.