The Arrest of Andy Steven Oliva- Lopez: Unmasking “Blue Plaid Sprayer”
Introduction
In a major development related to the January 6th Capitol insurrection, Andy Steven Oliva- Lopez, the infamous “Blue Plaid Sprayer,” was apprehended by authorities in Oregon on Tuesday. This arrest marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to hold accountable those responsible for the attack on the U.S. Capitol.
The Notorious “Blue Plaid Sprayer”
Oliva- Lopez gained notoriety due to a widely circulated image captured by a Getty photographer during the January 6th riot. The image depicts an individual wearing a blue plaid shirt, a helmet, and a gas mask, unleashing an orange chemical spray towards law enforcement officers defending the Capitol. This image has been extensively used in news reports and even featured in a presentation by the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, Matthew Graves, and in an ad for Joe Biden’s 2024 presidential campaign.
Online Sleuths’ Role in Identifying the Suspect
The identification of Oliva- Lopez as “Blue Plaid Sprayer” is largely attributed to the efforts of online sleuths. These dedicated individuals, often referred to as “sedition hunters,” have played a crucial role in assisting law enforcement agencies in identifying suspects involved in the Capitol attack. Utilizing various online resources and social media platforms, they have painstakingly gathered and analyzed information to uncover the identities of those involved in the insurrection.
In the case of Oliva- Lopez, online sleuths were able to establish his presence at a pro-Trump rally in Oregon in September 2020. They also uncovered a Twitter account associated with him, “Primal American,” which contained numerous pro-Trump messages and retweets of Trump’s tweets. The account’s activity provided valuable insights into Oliva- Lopez’s political views and potential involvement in the January 6th attack.
Social Media Activity and Public Accountability
Following the Capitol attack, Oliva- Lopez continued to post on social media, sharing photos of his work as a general contractor and his personal life. These posts, particularly those showcasing his travels and recreational activities, drew criticism from some sleuths who felt that he should be held accountable for his actions on January 6th rather than enjoying his freedom.
Arrest and Ongoing Investigations
Oliva- Lopez’s arrest came just a day after another Louisiana man was apprehended for his alleged involvement in the attack on law enforcement at the Capitol’s lower west tunnel. This arrest is part of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to bring to justice those responsible for the January 6th insurrection.
Conclusion
The arrest of Andy Steven Oliva- Lopez, aka “Blue Plaid Sprayer,” marks a significant milestone in the ongoing investigations into the January 6th Capitol attack. The involvement of online sleuths in identifying suspects and the subsequent arrest by law enforcement agencies highlights the collaborative efforts to hold accountable those who sought to undermine American democracy.