A Capitol rioter said participating in the insurrection gave him 'street cred' and a 'badge of honor' among conservatives

A man who participated in the storming of the US Capitol last year believes he has earned a "badge of honor" among conservatives.
Paul Davis told the New York Times that he was ashamed of himself for participating in the Capitol riot. He was fired from his job as a lawyer and his fiancée left him.
He told the Times that he began to feel proud of his involvement after changing his mind.
Davis said it activated him more. It gave me confidence.

He started his own law firm to represent workers who don't want to get vaccine against the coronaviruses.
The 12 people interviewed by the Times said their participation in the Capitol riot was a sign of resistance to the status quo.
Five people, including a police officer, died in the Capitol riot. The Proud Boys, which is classified as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, were present.
Despite President Joe Biden's election victory, organizers were encouraged by former President Donald Trump's calls to protest. While members of Congress were meeting inside the Capitol building to certify the results, supporters staged an attempted coup.

Lawmakers were sheltered in place after the riot broke out in the Capitol building.

On the day of the riot, those who attended posted selfies and other photos to their social media platforms, which has been a vital tool for federal investors. According to Insider's database, more than 750 people have been charged in connection with the insurrection.

Many rioters posed for photos. The Washington Post said that others bragged about their attempt to pull off a coup. A woman identified herself by name in an interview with a reporter.
The Capitol rioters realized that the FBI was investigating the origin of the riot and had to destroy evidence.