A soldier stationed at Schofield Barracks was arrested by the FBI on Tuesday, according to unsealed FBI documents.
The FBI claims they received a tip in February 2021 that Alexander Cain Poplin, 31, participated in what has been commonly referred to as the “Capitol riot” in January 2021.
Poplin wrote that “we took our house back” and “stood for something” online, according to an FBI task force officer’s affidavit.
Over 3 years after receiving the tip, in July 2024, an FBI investigator showed Poplin’s military supervisor a photograph of Poplin wearing an Army camouflage backpack inside the restricted area of the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
The unidentified supervisor confirmed the photographs were of Poplin.
“At approximately 2:30 PM, POPLIN is observed at the Lower West Plaza within the restricted perimeter of the U.S. Capitol Building. POPLIN is holding an “Area Closed” sign in his left hand and a flagpole with a blue flag in his right hand,” the FBI affidavit says.
“POPLIN’s face is partially obscured by a mask but he is wearing the same clothing as he was at the National Mall including a black beanie, Black Columbia jacket, and Army ACU camouflage backpack. In the open source video, POPLIN can be seen repeatedly striking an MPD officer with the blue flagpole.”
Poplin was charged with five counts, including felony charges of interfering with police during a civil disorder and assaulting, resisting, or impeding police with a dangerous weapon.
Poplin is an Infantryman and previously served in the National Guard while working for the Marathon Petroleum Company.
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