Palm Bay man accused of participating in Capitol riot arrested at OIA, faces federal charges

A man accused of being involved in the U.S. Capitol breach was arrested Wednesday at Orlando International Airport and is now facing federal charges.

Officials said FBI agents arrested Steve Maldonado.

Maldonado will make his first appearance before a judge at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Maldonado was arrested at the airport and was apparently heading to Puerto Rico with his girlfriend, officials said.

Court photos show Maldonado inside the Capitol wearing a white Donald Trump hat and waving a flag.

Prosecutors said he made his way into the Senate Chambers, and admitted he was the man in the photographs.

Outside court, Channel 9 asked him about it, but one of his daughters cut him off before he could answer.

Maldonado, who goes by the name Emilio Maldonado, lives in Palm Bay and appears to be some sort of fishing guide.

Records show that, in 1998, he was arrested on a couple of misdemeanors, including for an affrays and riot, but those charges were dismissed.

Maldonado is now facing two charges: Unlawful entry in a restricted building and disorderly conduct.

The court ordered that he surrender his passport and firearm, and only travel between Central Florida and Washington, D.C.

His case will be transferred from here to D.C., where he’s being charged. His next court appearance is set for Friday afternoon.

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Katlyn Brieskorn, WFTV.com