Fil-Am carrying 'walis tambo' in Capitol siege gets 45-day jail term 


Filipino-American Kene Brian Lazo, who brought a "walis tambo" or broom as he joined the siege at the US Capitol last Jan. 6, 2021, was given a 45-day jail sentence on Thursday, Aug. 18.

Along with the 45-day jail term, the US District Court of Columbia also gave him a $500 restitution.

On Jan. 6, 2021, mobs of supporters of former US President Donald Trump flocked to the US Capitol in Washington DC and unlawfully entered restricted grounds.

According to the district court's statement of offense, Lazo wore "a black helmet and orange goggles, and had an American flag draped around his neck like a cape." He also carried a round shield attached to the broom and wore a Captain America costume

Prior to the siege, Lazo posted pictures of his outfit on his Facebook account with the caption: "going to stand for America."

After the siege, he posted “took a boi boi to the Capitol and swept the floor literally.”

According to a special agent's affidavit, the FBI was able to trace Lazo via tips from online users who referred them to Lazo's Facebook account.

Lazo was arrested by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on May 28, 2021 in Norfolk, Virginia.

He initially appeared in court on June 3, 2021.

Lazo was charged by the court on June 23 of "Knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds or in a Capitol building; and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building."

He was arraigned on Aug. 3, 2021 and pleaded not guilty.

But on March 7, 2022, Lazo pleaded guilty of all charges.