Two days after Guy Reffitt joined the rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, federal officials said, he returned home to Wylie, Tex., and proudly told his family of his escapade. But by Jan. 11, when Reffitt learned the FBI was on to him, he changed his tune, according to an affidavit.
"If you turn me in, you're a traitor and you know what happens to traitors … traitors get shot," Reffitt, 48, said to his son and daughter, according to his wife, who recounted the conversation to the FBI, who did not name the relatives.
On Saturday, the FBI caught up to him. Reffitt, an oil worker with ties to self-styled militia and right-wing extremist groups, was arrested and charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly threatening his family and unlawful entry into the Capitol.
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Reffitt's son told authorities that around Jan. 11, he told him and his sister to "erase everything." The man then allegedly told his son that if he "crossed the line and reported Reffitt to the police, putting the family in jeopardy, Reffitt would have no option but to do Reffitt's duty for Reffitt's country, and 'do what he had to do,' " the affidavit said.
Reffitt then allegedly threatened his daughter, Reffitt's son said, warning her that if she recorded his comments or posted anything about it on social media, he would "put a bullet through" her phone.
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In an interview with KXAS, Reffitt's son, who is 18, said his father has become increasingly obsessed with politics over the past four years. His son blamed President Trump for manipulating his father.
"I love him but I hate him," he said of his father. "I don't really know him anymore."
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