Robert Keith Packer, 60, who was photographed wearing a “Camp Auschwitz” hoodie during the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack, has been arrested in Newport News, Virginia, on charges related to a dog attack, city officials said.
Packer was taken into custody on Thursday following an investigation into the incident, which occurred on Monday, according to a city spokesperson. He faces one felony count of animal attack resulting from the owner’s disregard for human life, as well as two misdemeanor charges for attacking while at large and failing to obtain a city dog license.
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Civil charges have also been filed against Packer, including violations for dogs running in a pack and for having a vicious dog. Police reported that four people were hospitalized with dog bites related to the incident.
Authorities seized multiple animals from Packer’s property, including one adult dog, six puppies approximately 11 weeks old, four live rabbits, and one deceased rabbit, the spokesperson said. The case is under investigation by the city’s Animal Services division. Packer is scheduled for arraignment on Sept. 12.
Packer previously pleaded guilty in 2022 to a misdemeanor charge of demonstrating inside the U.S. Capitol and served a 75-day prison sentence in connection with the Jan. 6 attack. Federal prosecutors noted that he has a long criminal history, including 21 prior convictions for offenses such as driving under the influence, larceny, drug possession, and forgery.
Earlier this year, Packer was pardoned by President Donald Trump, along with other individuals charged in connection with the Capitol attack.
