An Arizona man who was dressed as Captain Moroni — a figure in the Book of Mormon — during the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol has been arrested.
According to an FBI affidavit, Nathan Wayne Entrekin, 48, of Cottonwood, Ariz., “stood out from the crowd due to the outfit he chose to wear … in part because of the temperature, and in part because of the unique nature of the costume.”
He was wearing what appears to be a “plus size Roman gladiator costume” sold online, according to the affidavit. And he is seen carrying a white flag printed with the words, “In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children. Alma 46:12″ — a verse from the foundational scripture of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The affidavit goes on to explain Captain Moroni and his actions in the Book of Mormon, including that he “and his followers executed anyone who rejected” their fight for liberty “or who refused to accept democracy over tyranny.” And that, years later, they fought against and killed 4,000 dissenters, and the leaders of the opposition who weren’t killed were “cast into prison, for there was no time for their trials.”
Entrekin is seen in online videos explaining his actions. “I am here to represent that, the Mormon element.” And he goes on to suggest that a Utah senator is an “infiltrator.”
“‘Cause a lot of people are like Mitt Romney. … There’s a lot of infiltrators in our nation, in our capitol, in our churches. I think Mitt Romney might be one of those people. They have sold out to the system.”
In a video that “appears to have been taken” the night of Jan. 6, Entrekin says, “I am for Trump and for ... making sure that everything is done correctly as far as the elections and everything.”
A tipster identified Entrekin from photos and videos inside and outside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. Entrekin told the FBI he drove by himself from his home to Washington, D.C. — 2,200 miles each way — and did not coordinate with any other person or group. He “claimed to have entered the Capitol approximately one hour after other protesters breached the Capitol” and said he was “not aware he was not allowed in the Capitol,” and that when he saw broken glass and offices being looted, “he felt the need to depart the Capitol immediately.”
However, according to the affidavit, FBI agents found multiple videos Entrekin made inside the U.S. Capitol on his cellphone, which contradict his claims. He “appears to have made the videos for his mother — with whom he lives in Cottonwood — as he often speaks directly to her during the recording.”
In the videos, Entrekin is heard say, “I’m here, Mom! This is my flag!” “This is awesome.” And “Captain Moroni! Same fight, same place, different time. 76 B.C.! I’m here for Trump. Four more years, Donald Trump! Our rightful president!”
Entrekin was taken into custody Thursday. He’s in federal custody, charged with violent entry and disorderly conduct on the U.S. Capitol grounds and entering and remaining in a restricted building.
He’s the second costumed Arizonan arrested for his part in the Jan. 6 insurrection. The so-called QAnon shaman, Jake Angeli — seen in a fur helmet complete with horns and face paint — has been in custody since January.
