The Supreme Court review could damage the Trump case. The former director of the Miami Young Republicans, Barbara Balmaseda, has been arrested on charges related to the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, according to recently unsealed court documents. Balmaseda, a 23-year-old student from Miami Lakes, Florida, is facing felony charges of obstruction of an official proceeding and misdemeanor charges of entering and remaining in a restricted building, disorderly conduct, and parading in a Capitol building, according to the Department of Justice.
Balmaseda, who previously interned for U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio and worked as an organizer for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ 2018 campaign, was arrested on Thursday in Miami Lakes. Her attorney, Aubrey Webb, criticized the arrest as a “waste of law enforcement resources” and questioned the politically-motivated prosecution of the January 6 demonstrators. Webb emphasized that Balmaseda is not charged with violence or destruction of property.
The Supreme Court’s decision to hear a case involving three Jan. 6 defendants disputing an obstruction charge could have implications for former President Trump’s criminal cases. More than 300 people have been charged by the Justice Department with obstructing an official proceeding in connection with the Capitol riot.
Court documents reveal that Balmaseda and former Proud Boys member Gabriel Garcia exchanged hundreds of texts and images between August 2020 and January 2021 and were photographed together leaving the Capitol on January 6. Garcia was found guilty in November on felony charges related to the riot.
Prosecutors allege that Balmaseda traveled from Florida to Washington, D.C. to protest the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. They claim she participated in communications reflecting her belief that the election had been stolen and had knowledge of the certification process scheduled for January 6. Balmaseda was photographed in Black Lives Matter Plaza before approaching the Capitol building, where she witnessed the crowd of rioters climbing the scaffolding and smoke billowing into the air.
CCTV footage captured Balmaseda entering the Capitol building just minutes after the initial breach. She allegedly made her way to the Crypt, confronted a police line, and eventually entered the Rotunda, where she took photographs. Balmaseda exited the Rotunda and stood nearby as a group of rioters attempted to push through an officer line. Law enforcement officers eventually corralled the rioters, including Balmaseda, towards the nearest exit.
Since the Capitol breach, over 1,230 individuals have been charged in connection to the event, with more than 440 individuals facing charges of assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation is still ongoing.
Danielle Wallace is a reporter for Digital covering politics, crime, police, and more. Any story tips can be sent to [email protected] or via Twitter: @danimwallace. Stay updated with the latest news from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more political content.
