US Capitol rioters mocked for travelling in a ‘grand theft auto golf cart’ to violence

A group of rioters driving to the attack on the US Capitol building in January allegedly used golf carts to get there, according to a written indictment.

Five people – including one police officer – were killed in the insurrection on January 6, as Donald Trump supporters and far-right insurrectionists attempted to stop Congress from certifying Electoral College votes.

The votes, later recognised by representatives, would see then President-elect Joe Biden confirmed as the winner of the November election.

The charge, filed in Columbia’s district court last month, alleges: “Between 2:30pm and 2:33pm, defendants (Roberto) Minuta, (Joshua) James, and others rode in a pair of golf carts towards the Capitol, at times serving around law enforcement vehicles.”

Minuta then announced: “Patriots are storming the Capitol building; there’s violence against patriots by the DC Police; so we’re en route in a grand theft auto golf cart to the Capitol building right now.’”

A press release from the US Department of Justice claims that the two individuals also have links to the Oath Keepers – a far-right, anti-government militia.

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They add that James and Minuta are the 11th and 12th defendants to be charged in relation to the violence at the US Capitol.

After images of the golf carts and quotes from the indictment were shared on Twitter, people were quick to mock the unusual mode of transport used to travel to the violence:

If convicted, James and Minuta will each face up to a maximum of 20 years behind bars.