Ex-government employee accused of making false tips about Jan. 6 [Video]

WASHINGTON — A former government employment was arrested this week and charged with a felony for allegedly submitting tips to the FBI falsely accusing at least seven people of participating in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

Miguel Eugenio Zapata, aka Michael Zapata, was charged with one count of providing materially false statements to law enforcement. He was arrested Thursday in Chantilly, Virginia, and made an initial appearance the same day in federal court in D.C., where he was released on a personal recognizance bond.

According to charging documents, between Feb. 10 and April 11, 2021, the FBI received at least seven anonymous tips alleging seven different government employees and contractors were involved in the Jan. 6 riot. The tips alleged the individuals were either present at the Capitol or had shared classified information with individuals …