Siggy Flicker’s stepson, Tyler Campanella, was arrested in New York City on Wednesday on charges related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
According to an FBI affidavit, phone records show that Mr. Campanella’s device was located within the Capitol premises during the breach. Additionally, a phone connected to Ms. Flicker’s account, which was linked to Bayside Chrysler where Mr. Campanella worked as a sales manager, was also traced to the Capitol on Jan. 6.
“Based upon the CCV footage, it appears that Mr. Campanella entered the Capitol at approximately 2:17 pm through the Senate Wing doors,” the FBI affidavit asserts. “Additional CCV video shows Campanella at various locations throughout the Capitol, including sitting on the base of a statue in the Capitol Crypt, walking around the Rotunda, walking into the Senate Gallery for approximately one minute, and leaving through the Rotunda doors at approximately 2:52 pm.”
Ms. Flicker, who married Mr. Campanella’s father in 2012, wasn’t among the Capitol protesters, but she had previously shared photos from that day online, expressing concern for her stepson’s safety.
“I love patriots so much. Stay safe Tyler. We love you. #StopTheSteal,” she wrote in a social media post.
‘Selective Prosecution’
New Jersey-based criminal defense attorney David Gelman, who is not representing the family, spoke to The Epoch Times regarding the FBI affidavit.“This is another example of selective prosecution by the DOJ. Never mind the fact that they brought these charges against Mr. Campanella 3 years after the act, there is no legal basis for charges,” Mr. Gelman said in a written statement. “He walked into an open door with 1000’s of other individuals. What possible intent did he have that the government can prove? None because there was no intent to commit or do any wrongdoing. The only reason that the DOJ is charging this young man is because his mother is a well-known Trump supporter and is a friend of the Trump family.”
Mr. Gelman emphasized what he perceived as a distinction in how law enforcement handles other protesters.
“The DOJ hasn’t gone after and investigated the anti-Israel/free Palestine protestors who occupied the capital building while Congress was in session,” he wrote. “There, the facts are much more clear since there is actual intent to interrupt Capital proceedings. Would this happen if this young man was not a Trump supporter or his family were Trump supporters? The answer is clear as day….NO. The gov’t will have an incredible time proving the intent of Mr. Campanella. As a former prosecutor, I’m sure they know this, but the DOJ is being weaponized and Mr. Campanella is the latest victim of it.”
Federal prosecutors have charged more than 1,265 people with offenses related to the Jan. 6 breach, and more than 500 have received prison sentences.
Marina Medvin, a conservative attorney known for representing other Jan. 6 defendants, is Mr. Campanella’s lawyer. The Epoch Times contacted her for comment, but she did not respond before press time.
