Anti-migrant activist Daniel Thomas has been charged with criminal damage and failing to disclose his phone PIN, police say.
It comes after the 37-year-old, known as Danny Tommo to his supporters, was filmed appearing to slash a boat in the English Channel with a rescue crew member on board.
The suspect, of no fixed abode, was remanded into custody to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court on Friday.
Hampshire Police said in a statement: "The charges follow an allegation made to police that damage had been caused to a boat in the Channel whilst an emergency responder was on board."
He was remanded in custody to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court on Friday morning.
A couple of hundred people, largely wearing black, gathered outside a police investigation centre in Basingstoke on Thursday evening, believing that Thomas was inside.
They arrived just before 6.30pm and stood on the road outside the investigation centre chanting "free DT".
Most were not masked, but some could be seen wearing face coverings.
After news of his charge was announced, the crowd dispersed peacefully.
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(c) Sky News 2026: Anti-migrant activist Danny Tommo charged with criminal damage over 'boat slashing'
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