US Election 2020: Two men charged with fun offence near Philadelphia voting centre
Supporters of President Donald Trump protest at the Maricopa County Recorder’s office in Phoenix on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020. (Adriana Zehbrauskas © 2020 The New York Times Company)
Two men have been charged with gun offenses near the US electionvoting centre in Philadelphia on Friday. The two were arrested on Thursday night and were charged a day later, the city'sdistrict attorney's office.
ThePhiladelphia voting centre has emerged as one of the focal points for the protestors from the both sides — pro-TrumpandBidensupporters. The polling station has been observing protests and slogans such as 'vote him out' and 'stop the count' have been echoing the streets of the city.
The two accused,Antonio LaMotta andJoshua Macias, drove toPhiladelphia from Virginia in a Hummer SUV with two loaded semi-automatic handguns andone semi-automatic AR-15 style rifle and ammunition. The two have been charged with carrying a concealed firearm and carrying a firearm on public streets or property, which are a felony and amisdemeanour respectively.
Local media has also reported that the vehicle of the accused had stickers of the controversial pro-Trump conspiracy online groupQAnon. One of the suspect's mother, Anita LaMotta, claims that her sontraveled to Philadelphia because "he wanted to help" if any riot broke out. Whether or not they have attorneys is yet nt clear. The two have not been available for a comment yet, the local media reported.
It was also reported thatLaMotta's social media accounts had numerous postings related to conspiracy theories. The matter is now being investigated by the local authorities.
The country has been observing several protests and demonstrations against the two leaders. The counting of the votes is ongoing with Joe Biden observing a lead, and a possible victory against President Donld Trump, who is accusing Biden of manipulationand fraud.