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Wixom man, former Marine who 'led the charge' in US Capitol riot will remain locked up

Wixom man at the capitol riot
Posted at 8:13 AM, Jan 26, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-26 08:13:26-05

(WXYZ) — We’re learning more about the Wixom man charged for his role in the riot at the U. S. Capitol.

A magistrate judge has ordered him to remain in detention while being transferred to Washington to continue his criminal case.

Thirty-year-old Michael Joseph Foy is a former Marine who was combat trained, allegedly drank heavily, including the day before he was arrested, and the feds say he was suicidal earlier this month.

Pictures and video evidence show Foy at the Capitol on Jan. 6. The feds say he “led the charge” in a chaotic, graphic, and brutal attack using a hockey stick and a sharpened pole as weapons.

The video evidence also shows Foy entering the Capitol through a broken window.

The feds say pictures from inside the Capitol were found on Foy’s cell phone and the hockey stick was found when he was arrested last week in Wixom.

Federal Defender Colleen Fitzharris argued Foy could be released on conditions, but Magistrate Judge Patricia Morris disagreed.

Fitzharris told the Judge that Foy served five years in the Marines and was honorably discharged in 2019. She also says he has no prior trouble with the law.

Foy is facing four charges including assault, obstructing and interfering with police, and entering the Capitol with a weapon, up to 20 years in prison. The feds argued Foy was a danger to himself and the community and may not show up for future court hearings.

His parents told 7 Action News last week their hearts are broken, and they love their son very much.

The feds say the investigation is continuing and more charges against more people are expected.