A Republican district leader from Queens was arrested for storming the U.S. Capitol building last month, federal prosecutors announced on Thursday.
Philip Grillo, 46, was taken into custody by FBI agents at his girlfriend's home in Glen Oaks, Queens on Monday. The Trump-supporting GOP leader — who represents Assembly District 24 — was identified for his role in the insurrection by his distinctive Knights of Columbus jacket, prosecutors said.
According to court papers, Grillo entered the Capitol building through a broken window, then walked the halls of Congress carrying a bullhorn while recording himself on a cell phone. He was allegedly among the frontline of rioters who "engaged in a physical confrontation with uniformed officers at the entryway."
A photo that allegedly shows Grillo confronting an officer inside the U.S. Capitol
Grillo is a vocal Trump supporter on Facebook, and has previously shared posts in favor of the NYPD and police unions. He filed paperwork to run as a placeholder candidate for City Council in the Queens Council District 24 — but was rebuffed by a judge, according to the Queens Daily Eagle.
City Councilman Eric Ulrich, another Queens Republican, told Gothamist he was "shocked" to learn of the arrest. "I know him to be a very dedicated district leader in the county," he said. "Generally speaking I always found him to be someone who was very sensible and normal."
Joann Ariola, the chair of the Queens GOP, and a candidate for Queens Borough President, told Gothamist she was still "waiting for the facts" before weighing in on Grillo's alleged conduct.
"Would it surprise me that he was inside the Capitol building?" she said. "I would hope that this is untrue."
Grillo is set to be arraigned on Tuesday afternoon. Inquiries to his attorney were not immediately returned.
