Alabama Man Faces Federal Charges Following Riots At The U.S. Capitol
Lonnie Leroy Coffman, a 70-year-old from Falkville, Alabama, faces federal charges after being arrested this week during riots at the U.S. Capitol.
Coffman is charged with possession of an unregistered firearm and carrying a pistol without a license. He had 11 Molotov cocktails and firearms in his car, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
The United States Capitol Police bomb squad made the discovery as authorities responded to two reports of explosive devices – one near the National Republican Club and the other near the Democratic National Committee Headquarters. Officers were securing the area and conducting a canine search when they saw the handle of what appeared to be a firearm on the front passenger seat of a red GMC pickup truck with an Alabama license plate, according to an affidavit by the DOJ.
Officers used a vehicle registration database to connect the vehicle to Coffman. They also recovered one handgun, an assault rifle along with ammunition, 11 mason jars containing an unknown liquid with a golf tee in the top of each jar, cloth rags and lighters — items typically used to make Molotov cocktails.
At 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Coffman and a female driver arrived in a blue sedan. They approached law enforcement officers saying they were trying to get to Coffman’s pickup truck. Coffman asked if officers had located “the bombs,” later saying that he was referring to the reported bombs officers protected the area from.
Officers arrested Coffman and found a 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun, a 22 caliber derringer style handgun. None of the firearms in Coffman’s possession were registered to him, according to authorities.
Coffman said the mason jars contained “melted Styrofoam and gasoline.” An explosive enforcement officer said, “the melted Styrofoam and gasoline are an explosive mixture that has the effect of napalm insofar as it causes the flammable liquid to better stick to objects that it hits upon detonation.”
Coffman’s detention hearing is scheduled for January 12. Coffman is one of 13 people facing federal charges.
“We are resolute in our commitment to holding accountable anyone responsible for these disgraceful criminal acts, and to anyone who might be considering engaging in or inciting violence in the coming weeks – know this: you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Sherwin.
“To be clear, what took place that day was not First Amendment-protected activity, but rather an affront on our democracy,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The FBI, along with our local, state and federal partners, is committed to ensuring that justice is served. We will continue to aggressively investigate each and every individual who chose to ignore the law and instead incite violence, destroy property, and injure others. “
What are your unique holiday traditions? NPR wants to know
The holiday season is full of traditions and we all celebrate them a bit differently. NPR wants to your most unique holiday traditions. What makes celebrating this time of year feel special for you?
What are your unique holiday traditions? NPR wants to know
The holiday season is full of traditions and we all celebrate them a bit differently. NPR wants to your most unique holiday traditions. What makes celebrating this time of year feel special for you?
3 culinary tricks that might get you to eat more veggies, according to chef Roy Choi
Chef Roy Choi, known for his Korean-Mexican fusion food trucks, focuses on veggie-forward dishes in a new cookbook. He shares techniques to get you excited about your greens, plus 3 flavorful sauces.
3 culinary tricks that might get you to eat more veggies, according to chef Roy Choi
Chef Roy Choi, known for his Korean-Mexican fusion food trucks, focuses on veggie-forward dishes in a new cookbook. He shares techniques to get you excited about your greens, plus 3 flavorful sauces.
Trade tensions hang over Trump’s Asia trip, but he still aims to make a deal
President Trump plans to attend a summit in Malaysia before meeting the new Japanese prime minister in Tokyo and talking to Chinese President Xi Jinping in Korea.
Blue Jays rout Dodgers 11-4 in World Series opener
Addison Barger launched the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history, as the Toronto Blue Jays overwhelmed the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the opener Friday night in Toronto.


