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Man arrested for storming the capitol former Southwest Florida resident

Posted at 12:12 PM, Jan 11, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-11 12:12:09-05

LEE COUNTY, Fla. — A man arrested after allegedly seen carrying zip ties and dressed in tactical gear (Zip Tie Guy) in the Capitol is a former Southwest Florida resident.

According to a press release Eric Gavelek Munchel, of Tennessee, was charged with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority and one count of violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.

Munchel was arrested today in Tennessee.

It is alleged that Munchel was inside of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Photos depicting his presence show a person who appears to be Munchel carrying plastic restraints, an item in a holster on his right hip, and a cell phone mounted on his chest with the camera facing outward, ostensibly to record events that day.

Munchel was an employee at Doc Fords a couple of years ago.

“It’s been brought to our attention that a former employee of ours from 2+ years ago was involved in the recent events at the Capitol Building. We have no affiliation with this employee, and their actions were their own” Doc Fords Rum Bar & Grille.