The former editor of an Orthodox Jewish newspaper in Brooklyn has admitted obstructing the police as they tried to hold off the mob that stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6.

Elliot Resnick, 40, used to edit The Jewish Press – an Modern Orthodox weekly newspaper based in Brooklyn.

According to the New York Times, a comment by the paper’s editorial boardclaimed that he was at the Capitol as a journalist to cover Donald Trump’s speech, writing: “The Jewish Press does not see why Elliot’s personal views on former President Trump should make him any different from the dozens of other journalists covering the events, including many inside the Capitol building during the riots,”

But on Tuesday he pleaded guilty to a felony count of obstructing law enforcement during a civil disorder.

Court documents state that Resnick climbed a staircase on the building’s east side and urged others to follow him.

Resnick scuffled with police officers trying to hold the mob at bay and grabbed the arm of an officer when he tried to discharge pepper spray at the rioters.

Resnick was with a mob that forced open a door and entered the Capitol Rotunda. An officer who tried to stop them was thrown to the ground. Resnick pulled other rioters in through the door past officers trying to keep them out.

US District Judge Rudolph Contreras asked Resnick: “Did you do what the government stated?”.

Resnick answered: “Yes, I did, your honour.”

Under a plea agreement, the prosecution and the defence recommended a prison sentence of 8-14 months and a fine between $4,000 and $40,000.

Contreras is not bound by the plea agreement. He set sentencing for June 12. The maximum sentence is five years and a $250,000 fine.

Resnick is one of more than 1,265 people to be charged in connection with the Jan. 6 riot.

The Jewish Press began publishing in 1960 and describes itself on its website as “the largest independent weekly Jewish newspaper in the United States” and “politically incorrect long before the phrase was coined.”

The Jewish Press at first claimed Resnick was covering the riot. But just months later they parted ways with him.