GOP lawmaker charged for letting rioters into Oregon State Capitol

• Prosecutors allege that "being a public servant," the 57-year-old "did unlawfully and knowingly perform an act which constituted an unauthorized exercise of his official duties, with intent to obtain a benefit or to harm another" while the legislature was in session.

Zoom in: Video footage appears to show Nearman opening two doors, enabling entrance to the Capitol for the rioters — many not wearing masks and waving flags supporting former President Trump,.

• "More than 30 people made it into the vestibule and about 150 protesters were gathered right outside the door," the New York Times reports.
• Law enforcement arrested at least five people following the incident, AP notes.

Of note: Democratic lawmakers filed a formal complaint in January, accusing Nearman of endangering them and others present, knowing that "only authorized personnel are allowed in the building due to the COVID-19 pandemic," according to Oregon Public Broadcasting.

• Several Democrats have called for Nearman to resign following Friday's announcement of charges.

• State Rep. Rachel Prusak (D) said in a Twitter post Saturday that Nearman had "acted as part of a coordinated effort to allow enemies of democracy into the building; literally opening the door to sedition."

The other side: Nearman has yet to respond to requests for comment following the charges, but he said last January that he does not "condone violence, nor do I participate in it," per the Salem Statesman Journal.

• "I hope for due process, and not the mob justice to which Speaker Kotek is subjecting me," he added.

What's next: Nearman has been ordered to appear in the Marion County Court on May 11.