Man at Capitol riots seen with coffee company hat on
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — A national coffee company with a mid-state location is getting some publicity in the aftermath of the D.C. riots it likely didn’t expect, and maybe, didn’t want.
The Nashville man accused of breaking into the Capitol building carrying zip ties was identified as wearing a Black Rifle Coffee Company hat, and he isn’t the first high- profile protester to sport the brand.
RELATED: Official federal documents outline case against Nashville man with zip ties inside Capitol
BRCC has had to deny ties to protest violence before.
Just a few months ago the Kenosha, Wisconsin teen accused of shooting and killing two people at a BLM protest was seen on social media sporting one of their shirts, sparking rumors of a sponsorship deal.
This week- the FBI released photos of Trump supporting “Zip Tie Guy” Eric Munchel inside Senate Chambers wearing one of the brand’s thin blue line hats.
While the internet may be quick to draw conclusions and make a connection, former federal prosecutor Alex Little says not so fast.
“I think there’s a big gulf between an allegation like that and actual facts,” says Little. “There’s lots of symbols with all sorts of movements even the right wing movement they latch onto and that doesn't mean the folks behind that symbol are at all part of the larger movement.”
ALSO READ: Attorney: 'Hard to believe' rioter zip-tie guy 'dumb enough' to leave so much evidence
FOX 17 News has yet to receive a response from Black Rifle Coffee in regards to Eric Munchel’s case, but CEO Evan Hafer did respond to the Kyle Rittehouse allegations via Instagram video, denying any affiliation, or relationship:
“Did we sponsor Kyle Rittenhouse? The answer is no, we’re not in the business of profiting from tragedy, we’re not in the business of profiting from this event.”
Since it was founded 6 years ago, the roasters have received national praise for their million dollars in donations to veteran nonprofits, and their commitment to hiring servicemen and women, while raising awareness for first amendment rights.
Conservative Commentator Steve Gill says that is what makes them a target for blame.
“I think they are absolutely being unfairly targeted, they support the police, they support conservative values, they support our military,” says Gill.
“I don't think there’s any indication at all that Black Rifle Company was encouraging or participating, they weren’t out there handing out hats to the rioters, it’s no different than folks who might have been wearing Nike shoes or Nike ball caps or anything other logoed gear there.”
As soon as FOX17 News hears back from Black Rifle Coffee on how they feel about this attention, we will update our story.
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