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Tampa Bay man arrested in connection with Capitol riot, police say

He is one of three Floridians among the 14 people arrested Wednesday, according to U.S. Capitol Police.
Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud.
Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud. [ JOHN MINCHILLO | AP ]
Published Jan. 7, 2021|Updated Jan. 8, 2021

A Tampa Bay resident was one of the 14 people arrested Wednesday after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed and vandalized the Capitol, according to Capitol Police.

Matthew Council of Riverview was arrested on a federal charge of unlawful entry, according to the agency.

Two other Floridians were arrested on the same charge Wednesday: Michael Curzio, of Marion County, and John Anderson of St. Augustine.

“The violent attack on the U.S. Capitol was unlike any I have ever experienced in my 30 years in law enforcement here,” said a statement from Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund.

Related: Pro-Trump Largo coffee shop owner recounts moment barriers gave way at U.S. Capitol

One of the Floridians arrested spent time in prison for attempted murder.

Curzio, of Summerfield, was arrested in 2012 after police said he pointed a handgun at a man’s chest and then fired it, according to the Ocala Star-Banner, in a dispute. The man survived, police said, and Curzio was sentenced to eight years in prison. The man he shot was dating his former girlfriend, according to the Star-Banner, and police said Curzio claimed the gun accidentally fired when the man he was arguing with reached for it.

“I told you I was going to do this,” the gunshot victim said he heard Curzio say after the shooting, according to police.

Curzio was released from prison in February 2019 after serving nearly six years of his sentence, according to state records.

Related: Hernando blogger was at head of Capitol mob as it attacked

A Facebook profile using Curzio’s name posted four videos from Washington on Wednesday. Then on Thursday, he posted this: “On our way back home, plus I got arrested yesterday. Our point was made yesterday, I have no regrets for anything.”

Michael Curzio was arrested in 2012 after he shot a man in a dispute over a former girlfriend, police said.
Michael Curzio was arrested in 2012 after he shot a man in a dispute over a former girlfriend, police said. [ Florida Department of Corrections ]

Capitol police arrested several others after Wednesday’s four-hour occupation of the Capitol building on charges such as assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest, carrying a pistol without a license and carrying unregistered ammunition.

More than 50 Capitol and Metropolitan Police Department officers were injured during the attack, according to Capitol police. Several were hospitalized.

• • •

Tampa Bay Times U.S. Capitol coverage

REACTING TO RESPONSE : Did race play a role in police treatment of the U.S. Capitol mob?

CALL TO ACTION: Charlie Crist: Remove Donald Trump from office by invoking 25th Amendment

25TH AMENDMENT: When can it be used against a president?

EDITORIAL: The ugly spectacle perfectly captured the Trump-era GOP.

CLASSROOM TOPICS: Tampa Bay teachers, parents brace for tough conversations after U.S. Capitol siege

POLITIFACT FACT-CHECKS THE SIEGE: Here’s a look at the day’s short session, and the chaos that interrupted it.

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