Ryan Nichols Arrested Again After Church Incident in Texas

Ryan Nichols, a former Marine and notable figure from the January 6 Capitol riot, has been arrested again in Texas for allegedly brandishing a firearm outside a church. This incident follows his previous conviction and pardon related to the Capitol events. Nichols' actions have raised concerns, as he is now the fifth pardoned rioter to face new legal troubles. The confrontation occurred after a church service, where Nichols reportedly threatened an unarmed man. This article delves into the details of the incident and Nichols' controversial background.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 17, 2026, 00:39 IST

Incident at the Church

Ryan Nichols, who gained notoriety in 2021 for live-streaming his actions during the Capitol riot and making threats against politicians, has found himself in trouble once more. This time, the 36-year-old former Marine was apprehended in East Texas for allegedly brandishing a firearm during a confrontation outside a church. The incident occurred after a church service when Nichols reportedly followed an unarmed man, who was holding a Bible, into the parking lot and displayed a gun, causing the victim to fear for his safety.

Details of the Confrontation

What Happened at the Church?

According to Harrison County Sheriff B.J. Fletcher, the altercation began as the victim was placing his child in the car. Nichols allegedly stepped back, lifted his shirt to show a weapon, and reached for it. Fortunately, a bystander intervened, preventing the situation from escalating further. Despite the lack of violence, Sheriff Fletcher stated that Nichols' actions were sufficient to justify a charge of deadly conduct.

Background on Ryan Nichols

Who Is Ryan Nichols?

Nichols was prominently featured among those arrested following the January 6 Capitol riot, where he live-streamed his threats against politicians he believed had betrayed Trump supporters. In one of his videos, he infamously declared, "If Pence caved, we're gonna drag motherf*****s through the streets" and openly stated his intent to "bring violence." He pleaded guilty in November 2023 and received a sentence of over five years, though he served only a fraction of that time before being pardoned by Trump, who granted clemency to more than 1,500 individuals involved in the riot. After his release, Nichols briefly announced a congressional run but withdrew just two days later.

A Pattern of Arrests

He Is Not the Only One

With Nichols' recent arrest, he becomes the fifth individual pardoned for their involvement in the January 6 events to face new legal issues since their release. A report highlighted that just last month, Christopher Moynihan was arrested for allegedly threatening to kill House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, showcasing a troubling trend among those previously pardoned.