A Galesburg man faces federal criminal charges after being arrested in Chicago over the weekend in connection to riots and looting.
The Chicago Tribune is reporting Monday that 28-year-old Matthew Rupert was arrested, and found with homemade bombs in his car and was seen on videos posted on the internet participating in the looting and rioting in Minneapolis and Chicago.
Rupert was charged in U.S. District Court in Minnesota with inciting a riot and possession of an explosive device citing court records.
He was arrested by Chicago police early Sunday after allegedly violating the mayor’s emergency curfew order.
According to the complaint, Rupert posted a message on his Facebook account on Thursday saying he was going to Minneapolis to protest the police-involved death of George Floyd and wanted “goons” to join him.
The next day, he posted a two-hour live-streamed video of himself participating in the protests and violence that erupted in Minneapolis.
Rupert could be heard and seen in the video encouraging others to throw bombs at the police, appearing to light a building on fire, and actively damaging property and looting businesses, according to the complaint.
Several associates were reported to be with him at the time of Matthew Rupert’s arrest, including his girlfriend, and 29-year-old Christopher Rupert. Christopher Rupert was charged with reckless conduct and disorderly conduct and released on his own recognizance.
