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New Hampshire's Thomas Gallagher Arrested, Charged In U.S. Capitol Riot

CONCORD, NH (CBS) - A New Hampshire man is accused of taking part in a riotous mob that stormed the Capitol in Washington DC last week.

According to the criminal complaint, Capitol Police say 61-year-old Thomas Gallagher was among those in a crowd, "...making loud noises, and kicking chairs, throwing an unknown liquid substance at officers, and spraying an unknown substance..." Police say he was at the front of the group, and "...willfully refused the order to leave."

FBI agents tracked Gallagher down in the tiny picturesque town of Bridgewater, New Hampshire, and arrested him at his home. The word spread through the peaceful Newfound Lake region, about its link to the violent chaos hundreds of miles away.

Thomas Gallagher
Thomas Gallagher outside U.S. District Court in Concord, NH (WBZ-TV)

"They're good neighbors," said Chris Dyer. "Definitely surprised to hear the news."

"I think it's disgraceful that somebody believes Trump and consequently believes that gives them empowerment to invade the capitol," said another Bridgewater resident, Richard Lobban. "It's disgraceful."

Gallagher is charged with violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. He was arraigned in U.S. District Court in Concord, New Hampshire Thursday afternoon and released on the conditions that he not commit any crimes, cooperate with a DNA sample and not enter Washington, D.C. until at least after his next hearing date on Jan. 22.

Five people died, including one Capitol Police officer, in the riot January 6.

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