NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Robert Keith Packer, a man previously pardoned by President Donald Trump for his role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol breach, was arrested Thursday in connection with a dog attack that injured four people on Barbour Drive.
Police say Packer now faces multiple charges, including felony animal attack resulting from the owner’s disregard for human life, three counts of dogs running at large, and two counts of failure to pay the city dog tax.
Packer had earlier been sentenced to 75 days in prison and fined $500 for his involvement in the Capitol attack, where he was found at the forefront of the breach and entered an office space inside the Capitol. Despite his guilty plea to parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building, a judge noted that Packer showed no remorse for his actions. He was later fully pardoned by President Trump.
The recent arrest follows an incident on Monday when two dogs attacked four people on Barbour Drive, sending two victims to a local hospital. Police responded to reports of “two vicious canines,” and Newport News Animal Welfare took the dogs into custody.
Animal Welfare officials are currently leading the investigation. The dogs remain in custody as the inquiry continues.
