Gay Trump Supporter Brandon Straka Arrested for Role in Capitol Siege

The gay MAGA influencer and self-described "former liberal" best known for creating the #WalkAway campaign to encourage Democrats to leave the party and support Donald Trump was arrested for his alleged role in the storming of the U.S. Capitol January 6. Brandon Straka was taken into custody in Omaha, Nebraska, by the FBI and charged with multiple crimes after allegedly being turned in by a member of his own family. NBC New York reported prosecutors claim to have screenshots of since deleted tweets showing Straka actively participating in and at times directing the crowd following Donald Trump's "Stop the Steal" rally.

The Department of Justice charged Straka with impeding a law enforcement officer during civil disorder; knowingly entering and remaining on restricted grounds without lawful authority and then engaging in disorderly conduct within proximity to a restricted building to impede official functions; and engaging in disorderly conduct with intent to disturb a hearing before Congress. He was released Tuesday on several conditions pending his next court appearance.

Prosecutors say they have screenshots of since deleted tweets showing Straka's involvement in the siege of the Capitol. One allegedly read "Patriots at the Capitol - HOLD. THE. LINE!!!" In another he allegedly admits he entered the capital as "police began tear gassing."

A video posted to YouTube by a witness to the events provided more detail to Straka's actions that day. In the video he can be seen at the Capitol building saying "We're going in. We're going in. The people are going in." At a later time, Straka is seen directing rioters to disarm a U.S. Capitol Police officer using a shield to protect himself. "Take it away from him!"

While Straka made a name for himself in conservative circles for his support of Trump and his denigration of Democrats, he is not as well-liked elsewhere. In June of last year he was kicked off an American Airlines flight for refusing to wear a face mask, and his meltdown following the event was hilariously caught on video.

Cyndi Lauper had a slap down of her own for Straka last October when he released a version of her hit song "True Colors," saying he wanted to "offer the same love, support, and respect" to his Trump supporters.

"I recorded 'True Colors' to be a healing song and it's not appropriate for anything MAGA related," Lauper said at the time in obvious disgust.

Straka's next court appearance is pending.

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