Pardoned Jan. 6 Rioter Arrested Again After Leaving Court

Bryan Betancur, who was previously pardoned for his role in the Capitol riots, was arrested again for alleged hair fondling incidents on the DC Metro.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Bryan Betancur, a 28-year-old man from Silver Springs, Maryland, was arrested again just seconds after leaving a Virginia courthouse on Monday. Betancur had been in court for an assault and battery offense that took place on a Silver Line train in Virginia last Sunday. Moments after leaving the courthouse, where he pleaded not guilty and was released on bond, Betancur was arrested by Metro Transit Police on an outstanding warrant for a simple assault charge in Washington, DC related to videos he posted of himself allegedly fondling women's hair on the Metro.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issues with repeat offenders being released on bail and the challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with individuals who engage in concerning behavior like alleged hair fondling on public transportation. It also raises questions about the pardoning of Jan. 6 rioters and whether that has enabled further criminal activity.

The details

Betancur was first arrested last week after posting videos of himself touching unsuspecting women's hair on the DC Metro without their knowledge. The additional assault charge in DC is alleged to have occurred on a Red Line train serving the NoMa-Gallaudet station on February 28. Betancur has a history of mental health issues and criminal behavior, including a 2019 conviction for burglary and his participation in the January 6th Capitol riots, for which he was later pardoned by former President Trump.

  • Betancur was arrested on March 10, 2026 after leaving a Virginia courthouse.
  • The additional assault charge in DC is alleged to have occurred on February 28, 2026.
  • Betancur was previously convicted of fourth-degree burglary in Montgomery County in 2019.
  • Betancur stormed the US Capitol on January 6, 2021 and was later sentenced to four months in prison.
  • Betancur was pardoned by former President Trump early in his second term.

The players

Bryan Betancur

A 28-year-old man from Silver Springs, Maryland who has a history of mental health issues and criminal behavior, including participating in the January 6th Capitol riots, for which he was later pardoned by former President Trump.

Metro Transit Police

The law enforcement agency responsible for policing the Washington, DC metro system and investigating the alleged hair fondling incidents involving Betancur.

President Trump

The former President of the United States who pardoned Betancur and approximately 1,500 other defendants charged for their participation in the January 6th Capitol riots early in his second term.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.