Boise man who stormed U.S. Capitol building: 'I got caught up in the moment'

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — A Boise man who stormed the U.S. Capitol building is speaking out about his actions.

Photos from Wednesday’s siege of the U.S. Capitol building appeared to show Josiah Colt climbing down the balcony onto the Senate floor.

CBS2 News has been in contact with Colt and received the following statement:

“I love America, I love the people, I didn’t hurt anyone and I didn’t cause any damage in the Chamber. I got caught up in the moment and when I saw the door to to the Chamber open, I walked in, hopped down, and sat on the chair. I said my peace then I helped a gentlemen get to safety that was injured then left.

While in the Chamber I told the other protesters that this is a sacred place and not to not do any damage. Some of them wanted to trash the place and steal stuff but I told them not to and to leave everything in it’s place. We’re still on sacred ground.

And sincerely apologize to the American people. I recognize my actions that have brought shame upon myself, my family, my friends, and my beautiful country. In the moment I thought I was doing the right thing. I realize now that my actions were in appropriate and I beg for forgiveness from America and my home state of Idaho.

My intention wasn’t to put a stain on our great Country’s Democratic process.”

In a video posted on Instagram, Colt said “I just got in the Capitol building, I hopped down into the chamber.” Colt also went to say he was in House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s chair. However, Colt was actually in the Senate Chamber in a seat reserved for Vice President Mike Pence.

Colt has since deleted his Instagram, Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Colt also tells CBS2 that he is speaking with his lawyer to see what his next steps should be.