Federal prosecutors said Bennie Parker, 70, and Sandra Parker, 60, “planned their attack in advance and communicated with one another before, during, and after their attack on the Capitol,” in coordination with members of the Oath Keepers, whose militants were at the front lines of the attack on the building.
The Parkers were both charged with four federal crimes: Conspiracy, destruction of government property, obstruction of an official proceeding, and unlawful entry on restricted grounds.
A lawyer representing Sandra Parker declined to comment on Friday about the charges. A lawyer representing Bennie Parker did not immediately respond to several phone calls and emails seeking comment.
Around the time that lawmakers were certifying the Electoral College results, the Parkers were allegedly “operating as a group with several other similarly-attired members of the Oath Keepers Militia,” and moved in tactical formations, according to court documents. Sandra Parker breached the Capitol and Bennie Parker stayed outside but remained in communication with the group, prosecutors alleged.
Three days after the attack, Bennie Parker texted with Watkins about the nationwide FBI manhunt for Capitol rioters, according to texts obtained by investigators and mentioned in court documents.
“I wouldn’t worry about them coming after us,” Watkins allegedly told Bennie Parker.
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