Investigators: New Hyde Park man led rioters into US Capitol during insurrection

Eric Gerwatowski was barred from entering the District of Columbia with the exception of proceedings related to the case, as well as other travel restrictions.

News 12 Staff

Feb 8, 2022, 11:11 PM

Updated 942 days ago

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A New Hyde Park man was arrested Tuesday in connection to the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
Neighbors say they saw FBI agent swarm Eric Gerwatowski's house at around 6 a.m.
Investigators say Gerwatowski was at the front of the crowd of rioters as Capitol police attempted to close the upper House door on Jan. 6, 2021.
They say the 31-year-old pulled open the doors yelling "let's go" and led other rioters in the building.
He allegedly was inside for only a couple of minutes and was then interviewed on the Capitol steps.
When asked why he was at the riot, Gerwatowski said, "Because the commies are trying to steal the country. That's why."
Federal agents say they tracked down Gerwatowski using those video and footage from the Capitol's surveillance cameras.
When photos of him were released, people only gave him the nickname "Lord Long Hair".
Neighbors say they had no idea Gerwatowski was at the Capitol until he was arrested Tuesday.
He faces multiple charges and was released on his own recognizance.
Gerwatowski was barred from entering the District of Columbia with the exception of proceedings related to the case, as well as other travel restrictions.
He will appear virtually in Washington, D.C. federal court next Tuesday at 1 p.m.{