A teenager has spoken out about making the decision to turn in his own father to the FBI after he allegedly took part in the January 6 Capitol riot.
As reported by the Daily Mail, 48-year-old Texas resident Guy Reffitt was arrested at his home on Friday, following a tip-off from his own 18-year-old son, Jackson.
Speaking to Fox4, Jackson said: "I got in contact with the FBI after the Capitol riots about my dad."
"It was my moral compass, kind of, to do what I thought would protect not only my family, but my dad himself," the teenager added. "And it wasn’t just because I think my dad is aggressive, I think what he's been manipulated into thinking is aggressive."
More on this story in the video below:The Mail states that Guy Reffitt has since been charged with obstruction of justice and unlawful entry.
Per an affidavit, the father was captured on video outside the Capitol amid the deadly January 6 riot.
In one video, appearing to show Guy Reffitt, he can be seen wearing a blue jacket, over what appears to be a black padded or tactical style vest, and a helmet. Footage obtained by CNN also shows the father pouring water into his eyes - presumably after being hit with a chemical deterrent.
Speaking to CNN, Jackson later revealed that his father threatened his family if they attempted to turn him in to the authorities.
Watch Jackson's interview with Chris Cuomo below:According to FBI documents, Reffitt told his children: "If you turn me in you're a traitor. You know what happens to traitors. Traitors get shot."
Speaking to Fox4 about his father's threats, Jackson said: "If you were to write down that quote and give it to anyone, ever, it would never be OK.
"He said 'choose a side', is mainly the quote I use from him to express my views on it, is just, 'choose a side', and, 'choose a side or die.'"
Fearing for his family's safety, Jackson made the decision to call the FBI.
Speaking to CNN's Chris Cuomo, Jackson revealed that he has seen his father change over the last "four years".
"He's still my father, but he's changed a lot," the teen added.
Jackson then told Cuomo: "I do love him and I do care for him, but that doesn't ignore everything he's said and done."
"It wasn't just a political thing, it was... I was worried about what could possibly happen [...] I was a nervous wreck," Jackson said.
When asked about what drove his father's "change", Jackson replied: "Obviously the man in charge at the time I feel like just really manipulated him into thinking what he is thinking now.
"I'm obviously not sure about that, but I can't know for sure. That's the only thing I can blame this — the politics he follows and idolizes."
The 18-year-old revealed on Saturday that he has not spoken to his dad since the arrest, but that he "wished he could". He also informed The New York Times that he was no longer staying at the family home - and would not reveal his current location - for fear of his safety.
Jackson added: "I would say I'm sorry, because I don't feel like I put him in this situation, but I still feel guilty. I would do it again."
