On January 6, 2021, Rumson traveled from Florida to Washington, D.C., and participated in the events around the Capitol. He was arrested by the FBI on February 27, 2023, in Florida.

Jesse James Rumson is from Lecanto, Florida — a close-knit community in Citrus County. Locals describe the area as one where people value independence, patriotism, and civic involvement, values that appear to have influenced his sense of duty and concern for the direction of the country. Rumson was clearly deeply engaged in civic and political life, motivated by conviction and a belief that ordinary citizens should take part in national affairs rather than remain passive observers. His participation came from a desire to stand for what he believed in.

Wearing a distinctive panda head and standing openly during the chaos made him an instantly recognizable figure. While the circumstances were controversial, it also demonstrates a level of personal boldness and individuality — he wasn’t hiding behind anonymity or trying to disappear into the crowd. Since his arrest and trial, Rumson has endured the full pressure of federal prosecution, public scrutiny, and media labeling — yet he has continued to face those challenges head-on. That speaks to emotional endurance and inner strength during an extraordinarily difficult period.