A Republican member of the Maryland State Board of Elections was arrested this week by federal authorities and charged for his alleged involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice.
Carlos Ayala, 52, of Salisbury, was charged with civil disorder, a felony, as well as related misdemeanor offenses, in connection with the Capitol riot. Ayala has since resigned from the Board of Elections.
According to the criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia, Ayala was identified as part of a group of rioters gathered on restricted Capitol grounds near the scaffolding erected for the inauguration of then-President-elect Biden. He was seen wearing specific clothing and carrying a flag with a rifle image, and was also caught on video footage climbing over police barricades and attempting to enter the Capitol building.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Baltimore and Washington field offices, with assistance from the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.
Additionally, Gov. Wes Moore (D) is set to nominate a new Republican board member to replace Ayala, who was appointed to the state Board of Elections last year following a recommendation by the Maryland Republican Party. His term was due to expire in 2027.
Ayala’s arrest has prompted calls for change in the way elections board members are appointed, with government watchdog organization Common Cause Maryland describing it as a “wake up call.”
More than 1,265 individuals have been charged in connection with the Capitol breach, and investigations are continuing, according to the DOJ.
This breaking news story has been updated and will continue to be updated throughout the day.