WASHINGTON — A Massachusetts doctor was arrested Tuesday for allegedly assaulting a police officer inside the U.S. Capitol Building on Jan. 6, 2021.
Dr. Jacquelyn Starer, 68, of Ashland, Massachusetts, was taken into custody on eight counts, including two felony counts of civil disorder and assaulting, resisting or impeding police.
According to court documents unsealed this week, the FBI first received a tip about Starer on Jan. 11, 2021, when a tipster informed investigators Starer had bragged to a mutual acquaintance that she had prepared for Jan. 6 with a mesh knife-proof shirt and bottle of pepper spray. FBI agents interviewed a witness in May and July of this year who identified Starer in pictures from Jan. 6.
In an affidavit, investigators allege Starer entered the East Rotunda Doors approximately 10 minutes after they were first breached and proceeded to strike a D.C. Metropolitan Police officer inside the building.
“Officer M.B. stated that a blonde woman wearing a red jacket and hat punched her in the left side of her head,” the affidavit reads. “Officer M.B. stated that the blonde woman came at her again, and Officer M.B. struck the woman in response.”
Investigators said surveillance footage shows Starer then leaving the building approximately 15 minutes after entering.
As of Tuesday afternoon, it was unclear whether Starer was being represented by an attorney.
More than 900 people have now been criminally charged in connection with the Capitol riot, including nearly 300 defendants accused of assaulting, resisting or impeding police. Of those charged, nearly 50 defendants have pleaded guilty to assaulting, resisting or impeding police on Jan. 6.
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