Maine Man Allegedly Used Bear Mace on Police in Attack on Capitol

A Maine man is facing multiple felony charges for his alleged role in the breach on the U.S. Capitol.

The Mainer is Charged with Five Felonies and Three Misdemeanors

Christopher Belliveau, 38, of Sanford is charged with five felony offenses:

• Civil disorder.
• Assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers using a dangerous weapon.
• Entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority with a deadly or dangerous weapon.
• Disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon.
• Engaging in physical violence in restricted building or on restricted grounds with a dangerous or deadly weapon.

In addition, Belliveau is charged with three misdemeanor offenses, including disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, act of physical violence in the Capitol grounds or buildings, and parading/demonstrating/picketing in the Capitol buildings. He was arrested in Berwick, Maine on June 11, 2024.

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Belliveau is Accused of Spraying Bear Mace at a Capitol Police Officer

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Columbia, Belliveau was with a group of rioters on January 6, 2021 located behind temporary fencing made from interlocking bike racks. Just after 2 pm, Belliveau was at the front of the group as they advanced toward the police. Officials say Belliveau carried a bullhorn in his left hand and gestured at the police officers with his right hand.

The Government alleges that the Maine Man pointed at one officer and then walked away. When he returned, he allegedly carried a green canister with an orange safety cap containing bear pepper mace. It's alleged that Belliveau sprayed the contents of the canister at the officer he initially pointed at and then fled the area. The officer tried to run after the suspect but was knocked to the ground by another rioter.

Belliveau was identified on surveillance video at approximately 2:17 in the afternoon entering the Capitol. Officials claim that he traveled to an area of the building known as the Crypt, where rioters confronted a police line, before exiting about fifteen minutes later.

So Far, Over 1,400 People Have Been Charged For the January 6, 2021 Attack

He is one of more than 1,450 people nationwide who have been charged for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.