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A computer programmer who founded a social media website for supporters of President Donald Trump and a man from Alabama who posted online “Load your guns and take to the streets!” were among four who died when a mob stormed the U.S. Capitol.
Another victim was Ashli Babbitt, 35, who was fatally shot by police on Capitol Hill in Wednesday’s raid by rioters who called on Congress to reject the presidential election results. A staunch supporter of Trump, Babbitt has followed and promoted many well-known radical conservative activists and conspiracy theories.
The others, Kevin Greeson, 55, of Athens, Alabama; Benjamin Philips, 50, of Ringtown, Pennsylvania; and Rosanne Boyland, 34, of Kennesaw, Georgias – died of a medical emergency in Washington, DC, police said Thursday.
Greeson had a history of high blood pressure and suffered a heart attack, his family said, and is survived by his wife, Kristi, and children.
“Kevin was an advocate for President Trump and attended the event on January 6, 2020 to show his support,” the family said in a statement. “He was not there to participate in violence or riots, nor did he condone such actions.
Greeson appeared to be active on Talk, the “conservative Twitter,” where an account with his name and photo lodged threats against Democratic and Republican politicians who Greeson said did not support Trump enough.
Responding to a post that offered the “militia option” to keep Trump in power, Greeson wrote: “I am … call me, I have guns and ammunition!” He interacted with posts from the far-right Proud Boys, telling them to give Antifa “hell”.
Greeson also said he was hopeful House Speaker Nancy Pelosi would catch Covid-19 and die, and on December 17 wrote, “Let’s take this f —— Country BACK !! Load up your guns and take to the streets! “
Kristi Greeson has not confirmed whether the account belonged to her husband, but the photos he posted on Speak are images of the same person found on his Facebook and Twitter accounts, which have been verified by NBC News.
Philips, 50, died of a stroke, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported, but NBC News was unable to verify the cause of his death. The computer programmer has founded a social media site for Trump supporters, Trumparoo.com, the Inquirer reported. The site coordinated trips to Washington for people who wanted to attend the protest.
“As my children mourn and deal with the shocking events of yesterday, I respectfully request privacy,” Nicole Mun, Philip’s ex-wife, said in a statement Thursday.
Mun said she no longer had a relationship with Philip and had nothing more to say. The rest of the family did not return repeated requests for comment.
Boyland also died due to a medical emergency, authorities said, providing no further details. Her family did not return phone calls and emails asking for more information.
Ali Gostanian contributed.
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