DOJ: Texas man urged assassination of Rep. Ocasio-Cortez after storming Capitol

by Kristen Schneider

Sat, January 23, 2021 at 4:44 PM

Updated Sat, January 23, 2021 at 6:14 PM

Garrett Miller, who admitted on social media he breached the U.S. Capitol, also urged the assassination of Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. (Image: DOJ)

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WASHINGTON (ABC7) — A Texas man who admitted on social media he breached the U.S. Capitol also urged the assassination of Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Garrett Miller, of Dallas County, Texas, faces the following charges:

Knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted buildings or ground without lawful authority;
Violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds;
Obstructing or impeding any official proceeding; and
Certain acts during civil disorder.

According to the Department of Justice, the investigation into Miller began when a tip came in about a January 6 video posted on his Twitter account. The 14-second clip from the breach showed the U.S. Capitol Rotunda with the caption "From inside Congress."

{p}According to the Department of Justice, the investigation into Miller began when a tip came in about a January 6 video posted on his Twitter account. The 14-second clip from the breach showed the U.S. Capitol Rotunda with the caption "From inside Congress." (Image: DOJ){/p}

Investigators soon discovered Miller posted about his D.C. plans long before pro-Trump supporters stormed Capitol grounds. Miller's first social media post about his trip was on Facebook Jan. 2, saying, "I am about to drive across the country for this trump s--t." He also said a "civil war could start."

A post the next day said Miller packed "a grappling hook and rope and a level 3 vest," along with helmets and mouth guards.

Miller used social media to defend the decision to storm the federal building, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. (Image: DOJ)

On the day of the breach and in the week following, Miller posted selfies he took inside the U.S. Capitol building. After someone commented on him making it inside and posting the picture, Miller replied, "[J]ust wanted to incriminate myself a little lol"

Miller used social media to defend the decision to storm the federal building; when someone on his Facebook page tried to blame members of Antifa groups, Miller asked, "[Y]ou don't think we should have stormed the capital [sic]?" Another person suggested people were paid to breach. In response, he said, "Nah we stormed it. We where [sic] gentle. We where [sic] unarmed. We knew what had to be done."

Miller made defensive comments in response to a tweet from Rep. Ocasio-Cortez (D), who pushed for the impeachment of Donald Trump. "Assassinate AOC," Miller wrote in response.

{p}Miller made defensive comments in response to a tweet from Rep. Ocasio-Cortez (D), who pushed for the impeachment of Donald Trump. "Assassinate AOC," Miller wrote in response. (Image: DOJ){/p}

Miller made defensive comments in response to a tweet from Rep. Ocasio-Cortez (D), who pushed for the impeachment of Donald Trump. "Assassinate AOC," Miller wrote in response. (Image: DOJ)

Among Miller's other comments were insinuations he would strangle the officer who fatally shot 35-year-oldAshli Babbitt inside the Capitol that day.

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Miller was arrested Wednesday in Texas. His detention hearing is scheduled for Jan. 25.