Fact check: Is Military Veteran Ray Epps Arrested? What Did He Do On Jan 6?

There’s a rumour currently making rounds on social media, and while many of these tend to be baseless, it’s nonetheless crucial to examine every one of them closely. This is because, on the off chance, some might turn out to be true. Death rumours are a common variety that often prove false, but occasionally some rumours, due to their shocking content, cause a significant buzz on social media. Arrest news, for example, is a frequent subject of such rumours. Presently, people are concerned about a circulating arrest rumour involving the military. The rumour is connected to Ray Epps, stirring public curiosity about his activities on January 6th and whether he has genuinely been arrested. Epps, a former military veteran who supports ex-President Donald Trump and also hosts wedding events, is the focus of these alleged rumours.

Is Military Veteran Ray Epps Arrested?

Following the attack on the United States Capitol on January 6th, 2021, conjectures about Epps’ supposed involvement as an instigator, and his wife’s potential connection to Dominion Voting Systems, have been widely propagated on Twitter and by Fox News personality Tucker Carlson. In response, Epps has filed a defamation lawsuit against Fox News due to their portrayal of his involvement in the Capitol disturbance. Certain individuals believe Epps acted as a federal agent who sparked the violent outbreak, a claim he firmly denies, asserting no affiliation or engagement with the government. Furthermore, there’s a widespread interest among many to learn more about his alleged arrest.

There are also assertions that he is among the most wanted. However, upon investigation, it becomes apparent that the circulating rumours alleging his arrest are unfounded. Following the attack on the Capitol on January 6th, 2021, Epps was indeed featured on the FBI’s most wanted list for approximately six months. However, his picture was inexplicably removed from the list. Thus, it’s clear that Ray Epps has never been taken into custody. Further to this, the former military serviceman has recently taken legal action against Fox News for defamation.

According to the lawsuit, Fox News fabricated a sensational narrative, falsely painting the former US Marine as a federal agent, effectively making him a scapegoat for the Congress raid, as reported by the media. In January 2021, Epps was filmed encouraging others to breach the Capitol complex. While FBI agents did interrogate him, he was never placed under arrest. The lawsuit, which was filed on Wednesday, July 19th, 2023, in a Delaware court, doesn’t specify any damages. It also brings up Fox News personality Tucker Carlson. Moreover, Epps’ attorney has stated that due to the harassment and intimidation stemming from these conspiracy theories, Epps and his wife were forced to shut down their wedding venue in Arizona and relocate to a modest RV in Utah.