MADISON Wis. — A federal judge released an Eau Claire man who implicated himself in last week’s siege of the U.S. Capitol. The release had lots of conditions. Kevin Daniel Loftus, 53, was told not to go anywhere near Washington, where more unrest is expected in the run-up to the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. In fact, Judge Stephen Crocker told Loftus: Don’t leave Chippewa or Eau Claire counties: “If you screw up, I will detain you.” It was in Eau Claire that Loftus was arrested earlier in the day. He has connections also in nearby Chippewa Falls. Loftus appeared before Crocker from Eau Claire in a virtual connection. He was handcuffed. Loftus was told to give up any guns. When a government attorney pointed out that Loftus had a drunken-driving record, the judge told him to abstain. Loftus’ attorney Peter Moyers did not object of the conditions. Loftus nodded that he understood: “Yes, your honor.”  Judge Crocker set Friday for a ext appearance, which he said might need to be in Madison of a virtual connection with Eau Claire doesn’t work out.

Loftus. Next court date Friday.

Positive identification. More than 100 people have been detained in an initial wave of arrests based mostly on video posts. Among those arrested: Kevin Loftus of Eau Claire, whose presence in an upper floor of the Capitol showed up on Facebook.
Images: FBI.