Retired NYPD Cop Once Assigned to Secure City Hall Accused of Pipe Attack on Capitol Police

[Judi Lynn]

Source: NBC New York


An attorney for Thomas Webster says his client did go to Washington, D.C., Jan. 6 to participate in a protest, but he wasn't part of any organized group; he said Webster, a married father of three, has no prior arrests and served in the U.S. Marines, from which he was honorably discharged

By Jonathan Dienst and Joe Valiquette • Published February 23, 2021 • Updated on February 23, 2021 at 9:31 pm

A retired NYPD officer who had been assigned for a time to work perimeter security at City Hall and at Gracie Mansion, the mayor's official residence, has been accused of using a pipe to attack a U.S. Capitol officer during the Jan. 6 siege, law enforcement officials with knowledge of the case told News 4 Tuesday.

Thomas Webster surrendered to the FBI's Hudson Valley office Monday to face charges in the ongoing investigation. A day later in White Plains federal court, prosecutors said the former U.S. Marine attacked a Capitol police officer with an aluminum pole while holding a Marine Corps flag. Webster then allegedly ripped off a mask and caused the officer to choke, prosecutors said.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Gianforti said video footage at the Jan. 6 events showed Webster “clear as day” attacking an officer. Prosecutors described a look of rage on Webster, captured on video, that was reflective of a man about to unleash violence. And they accused him of doing just that.

"These videos shock the conscience," the prosecutor said, alleging Webster "goes after that cop like a junkyard dog -- teeth clenched and fists clenched."

Read more: https://www.nbcnewyork.com/investigations/retired-nypd-cop-once-assigned-to-secure-city-hall-charged-in-pipe-attack-on-capitol-police-officials/2904889/?_osource=db_npd_nbc_wnbc_twt_shr

[Judi Lynn]

1. Notorious 'eye gouger' who allegedly beat Capitol police with a pipe revealed to be a former NYPD co

Sky Palma
February 23, 2021



A retired NYPD officer turned himself in to the FBI this Monday for his role in the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, after being accused of using a pipe to attack Capitol police officers.

According to NBC New York, Thomas Webster was once assigned to work perimeter security at City Hall and at Gracie Mansion, which is the mayor's official residence.

Webster's image was circulated by the FBI for a month until he turned himself in.

Link to tweet

Webster was also known as the "eye gouger" on social media, due to images showing him allegedly jabbing his thumb into the face of a Capitol police officer.

More:
https://www.rawstory.com/eye-gouger-thomas-webster/

[SunSeeker]

4. But the charging document don't say he gouged the officer's eye.

The charging document says Webster tried to take the officer's gas mask off, causing the officer to be choked by the mask's chin strap, and that the assault lasted about 10 seconds. That is what is depicted in those pictures. I would think the charging document would have mentioned an eye gouging if this is the guy who is suspected of doing that. https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/case-multi-defendant/file/1369976/download

He does not appear to be the actual eye gouger, the officer in the picture is not alleged to have suffered eye injuries. The eye gouger is apparently still out there somewhere.

[lark]

6. In the 70's we called cops pigs and we weren't wrong.

Yes, there are some good guys, Goodman being the best example, but far far too many are white nationalists, repug terrorists. Police and military need to be purged of this scourge of traitorous reich wing asses.

[iluvtennis]

10. Evil thug. Lock. Him. Up/ nt

[bucolic_frolic]

2. Unconscionable violence only practiced at history's worst times

He ought to know better. Throw the book at him.

[mopinko]

3. friend of rudy's?

[NBachers]

5. Did he get there via a multiple-person vehicle which was organized to go to the insurrection?

Would that make him part of an organized group?

[keithbvadu2]

8. Ironid that Trump's terrorists were attacking police while carrying 'Blue lives matter' flags.

[NJCher]

9. first, excellent reporting by Jonathan Dienst et al

Second, I am surprised that a guy like this doesn't have civilian complaints against him for brutality. He has a lot of rage. JMO, but I think he's acting out. I'd like to know more about his work life and if he's having problems in his family.

[Martin68]

11. Pure madness.