The Travis County District Attorney’s Office has charged three people in connection to rioting, looting, and property damage at the Capital Plaza Target on May 31, 2020.
According to a report from the Austin Police Department, approximately 20 to 30 people showed up at the Target, many of whom took part in ripping off the plywood that had been placed on the doors. Other people held up a sheet to conceal their actions, police say. The front door glass was eventually smashed, clearing the way for the looters to enter.
Police say Samuel Miller, 22, and Lisa Hogan, 27, were seen walking quickly away from the scene as officers arrived. Hogan was stopped and Miller was found shortly thereafter in a car driven by Skye Elder, 23, who was also arrested.
All three are known members of the left-wing extremist group ANTIFA, according to Travis County district Attorney Margaret Moore. Hogan is charged with two felonies: Riot and Burglary of a Building. She is accused of sending out live feed video from the scene on Facebook, encouraging others to join.
Miller also faces two felony charges, including Criminal Mischief and Burglary of a Building. Elder was arrested on a single charge of Burglary of a Building.
All three had bonds set at $25,000.
“While I fully support the rights of freedom of speech and assembly, I cannot tolerate the subversion of peaceful protest by engaging in wanton destruction and theft,” Moore said. “These arrests are important to protecting not only the property owners, but, even more importantly, the peaceful protesters whose message should be heard.”
