January 6 Rioters - Part XVIII - The Liar-in-Chief Refused to Accept He Lost - Rioters Paid the Price (875-949)

THE LIAR-IN-CHIEF REFUSED TO ADMIT HE LOST –

RIOTERS PAID THE PRICE.

PART XVIII 

(Rioters #875-949)

The Liar-in-Chief was told by his own officials: He lost the election.

__________ 

Facts are “like fish swimming about in a vast and sometimes inaccessible ocean; and what the historian catches will depend, partly on chance, but mainly on what part of the ocean he chooses to fish in and what tackle he chooses to use – these two factors being, of course, determined by the kind of fish he wants to catch. By and large, the historian will get the kind of facts he wants.” 

A.J.P. Taylor

__________ 

 

IN THIS, our latest Capitol Hill Rioters post, keeping in mind the historian A.J.P. Taylor’s words above, we consider a new batch of folks who rioted (or allegedly did so) on January 6, 2021. 

That is, we must look at all the facts we can find on those who attacked the Capitol that fateful day. 

First, we have blown past the 900-mark, for cases considered, and have so far uncovered zero members of Antifa. 

Second, in today’s selection, we have assorted right-wing racists, a batch of QAnon chumps, and Trump supporters anxious to spill the blood of other Americans – to keep their Orange God in office for a second term. 

Third, this is true. This blogger does not like Trump; and that dislike could shape where he looks for facts. So, to guard against his biases, he looks everywhere. In other words: 949 cases have been checked so far.

Hundreds of the January 6 rioters have now paid – some heavily – for their misplaced faith in the Liar-in-Chief.

* 

The racist rioter.

875. SALVATORE “SAL” VASSALLO: The man from Toms River, New Jersey was turned in to the F.B.I. by a coworker, who had been asked to travel to D.C. with him but demurred. A picture, supplied by the tipster, showed Vassallo and right-wing friends in the capital on or about January 1. 

You might notice that Vassallo and his pals are flashing a “tasteful” white-power salute, the modified OK sign with the three, spread, upraised fingers meant to signify, the “w” in “white.” Vassallo is in the center, with the flag. 

Video from the day of the attack shows “Sal” giving one police officer a serious push, and doing his best to encourage the mob to attack. He is repeatedly seen smoking a cigar and appears to be enjoying his right-wing self. 

He avoided arrest till September 14, 2022. At that time, the 59-year-old was hit with one felony and five misdemeanor charges. 

On May 25, 2023, he agreed to a plea deal, with sentencing guidelines calling for him to spend 24-30 months in prison, and pay $5,000 in fines and restitution. His felony charge was for attacking a police officer that day.

At sentencing, his son, now a doctor, says his father was “misinformed by powerful people and showed up to what he thought to be a peaceful demonstration.” His daughter, a middle school teacher, also tells the court that her father, “Has told me with candor that it was never his intention to lay a hand on anyone, and he feels much shame for putting himself and his family in this position.” 

She has never seen him show signs of violence before, and mentions that her son has an adorable habit of raising up his head in his crib, after a nap, and asking where “Pop-pop” may be. 

On October 4, the judge makes it clear where “Pop-pop” will be – in the slammer for eighteen months, and then on probation for three additional years. 

Trump supporter, right-winger, violent.

* 

9/11 was an inside job! 

876. John O’Kelly: Kelly was arrested in October 2022, after internet sleuths, using facial recognition software, finally helped authorities identify him as an alleged participant in the riot. O’Kelly faces six charges, including two felonies, related to his part in attacking police protecting the Capitol. 

When not rioting, the defendant is a lawyer in New York. At one point he worked for a conspiracy group intent on proving that the 9/11 attacks were an inside job. That the buildings were brought down by pre-planted explosives. 

Ignore those planes hitting the Twin Towers. 

Mr. O’Kelly, who seems willing to swallow any conspiracy theory, also served previously on the school board of the East Williston, New York schools. 

(LIKELY TRUMP SUPPORTER; NOT DEFINITIVE.)

 

* 

877. Richard Slaughter: Today’s takeaway: We should probably be more careful about who we elect to school boards. Mr. Slaughter, 40, has also served in that capacity, in Ortig, Washington, and now stands accused of participating in the attack on Capitol Hill. 

Not only did he join in the attack (allegedly), the next day, Slaughter disrupted a flight returning to Seattle. He refused to wear a mask, and shouted conspiracy theories about a stolen election, for the edification of other passengers. 

Previously, he had admitted to federal authorities that he had been at the riot – but claimed he had not committed any crimes. “Conservatives don’t protest,” he explained. “They have jobs.” 

In a video from the day of the riot, Slaughter talks about how it was “statistically impossible” for Trump to have lost, and “nauseating amounts of fraud, and it’s not being heard or seen, and we have nothing left.” 

Trump supporter, he believed the election was stolen.

 

* 

878. Caden Paul Gottfried: Gottfried, 20, is Slaughter’s stepson. Like his stepdad, he faces a felony charge of assaulting, impeding or resisting officers during a civil disorder, and an array of misdemeanor charges. 

Trump supporter (we assume)

 

* 

The pastor is a felon. 

879. WILLIAM DUNFEE: Pastor Dunfee traveled from Ohio to D.C. to join the protests on January 6. He brought a bullhorn to urge on others, and could be seen warning police that the mob was going to take over the Capitol. 

“This election has been stolen right out from underneath of our noses and it is time for the American people to rise up. Rise up. Rise up,” Dunfee shouts in a video taken during the attack. 

Today is the day in which it is that these elected officials realize that we are no longer playing games. We will stand up for our country. We are standing up for our freedoms. We are standing up for our president. And today is the day these elected officials, these senators and these congressmen, understand that we are not going to allow this to continue any longer.

 

Dunfee also told others that it was time elected officials “need to fear us.” 

To police, he said: “Mister police officers, we want you to understand something. We want you to understand something. We want Donald Trump and if Donald Trump is not coming, we are taking our house. We are taking our house.” 

Dunfee then led other rioters to push back police barricades and storm the building. 

In a video he posted later, Pastor Dunfee claimed justification for his part in the attack: 

I can tell you, having been there, that we were surrounded by patriots. Many, many, many, many patriots. And I thank God they showed up to just to let it be known that, you know, what the bottom line is this, that you are not stealing this election. You’re not going to rob us, deprive us of a democracy, of a republic, without us being heard.

 

The poor dope should be relieved by now. Multiple members of Trump’s administration have made clear. The election was never stolen in the first place. 

As for Dunfee, he opts for trial by jury. It doesn’t go well. He is convicted on two felony charges in January 2024. 

In September the boom falls: 30 months behind bars for Dunfee, a long period of probation added, and $12,000 in fines and restitution. 

Trump supporter, he believed the election was stolen.

 

* 

Guilty of seditious conspiracy. 

880. Jeremy Bertino: If you believe the riot on January 6 was a left-wing affair, or that Ray Epps (# 600 on our list), was an F.B.I. plant who led the good Trump people on to an attack they would not otherwise have made, you need to do more research. (You can even watch video.) 

Bertino, 43, a member of the Proud Boys, is the first member of that extremist, right-wing group to plead guilty to the serious charge of “seditious conspiracy.” 

In October 2022, he agrees to cooperate with prosecutors, and will be held in jail without bail. 

He could face five years in prison. 

He was previously listed as “PERSON 1” in indictments against other members of the group, but was not in D.C. on January 6. 

As CNN notes, evidence shows he was instrumental in the planning for the attack: 

After 1 p.m. on January 6, Bertino, along with another member of the group posted messages in a Proud Boys chat to “Push inside! Find some eggs and rotten tomatoes!” and asking if “they deploy the mace yet,” according to the indictment.

 

Bertino posted publicly to rioters, writing “DO NOT GO HOME. WE ARE ON THE CUSP OF SAVING THE CONSTITUTION.”

 

Bertino also texted Tarrio on the evening of January 6, saying: “Brother. You know we made this happen” and “I’m so proud of my country today,” according to the indictment. “I know,” Tarrio allegedly replied.

 

According to prosecutors, Bertino later replied “1776 motherf*****s” to Tarrio, adding later “Dude. Did we just influence history?”

 

“They HAVE to certify today!” Bertino allegedly texted. “Or it’s invalid.”

 

Bertino admitted in court that members of the group were stirred by President Trump’s call for them to “stand back but stand by,” during a debate during the 2020 campaign. He said membership increased, “Exponentially. I’d say tripled probably. With a potential for a lot more probably.” 

He may soon be eligible for the witness protection program. 

Trump supporter, right-wing person.

 

* 

881. SUSAN MANWARING: The “Statement of Facts” in Ms. Manwaring’s case reads, in part: 

11. The defendant and her son proceeded with the crowd through the U.S. Capitol’s west plaza, where rioters were physically battling police amidst clouds of tear gas. She then followed the crowd up the stairs to the U.S. Capitol building’s second level.

 

12. At approximately 2:23 p.m., the defendant and her son entered the U.S. Capitol building through the Senate Wing Door, which had been first breached just approximately ten minutes earlier. At the time the defendant entered the U.S. Capitol building, an alarm was sounding, other rioters were climbing into the building through broken windows on either side of the Senate Wing Door, and at least one of the windows of the Senate Wing Door itself was broken.

 

13. Over the next thirty minutes, the defendant and her son walked throughout the

U.S. Capitol building. They proceeded from the Senate Wing Door to the Crypt to Statuary Hall to the area outside of the Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi’s office to the Rotunda. They then walked down the Old Supreme Court Chamber stairs before finally exiting through the Senate Wing Door at approximately 2:53 p.m. Along the way, the defendant saw broken windows, observed multiple uniformed and armed police officers, posed for photographs, and took photographs of other rioters.

 

In August 2022, her son, Landon Manwaring, pled guilty to one misdemeanor for his role in the riot. 

Mom also pled guilty to a single misdemeanor in October 2022. The cost of her stupidity: 30 days of home confinement, and $1,000 in fines and restitution. 

Trump supporter.

 

* 

882. FRANK BRATJAN JR.: Mr. Bratjan was arrested in June 2022, and his case adjudicated in short order. In September he plead guilty to a single misdemeanor for his participation in the riot. He was ordered to perform 60 hours of community service, pay $2,000 in fines and restitution, and complete six months’ probation. 

Like so many rioters, Bratjan was done in in part by his need to brag about his participation in the attack – however minor. (He entered the Capitol at 2:22 that day, through a broken window, roamed the premises for thirty-five minutes, and made his exit in regulation order, through the East Rotunda doors.) On social media he posted that he was inside “the Capitol building with an army of American patriots,” after “storming up the steps and into the halls.” The post also said “Ive [sic] never been pepper sprayed or rear [sic] gassed, and I’m hoping I’ll never have to again.” 

The post ended with hashtags for “stopthesteal,” “saveamerica,” “trump2020” and “patriotism.” 

When not marching on the Capitol, Frank is employed by the U.S. Postal Service. 

At the time of the riot, the young man was living with his father in Syracuse, New York. He eluded arrest for over a year, in part by moving to Minneapolis, Minnesota to live with his mother. 

Trump supporter, he believed the election was stolen.

 

* 

Let’s have an armed confrontation! 

883. CORY RAY BRANNAN: The Midland, Texas man plead guilty to one misdemeanor count for participation in the attack on Capitol Hill. 

His sentence: 30 days in jail, 60 hours of community service, $500 in restitution, and two additional years on probation. 

Brannan is (or was) a Trump fan and a member of the right-wing “Three Percent,” a militia movement “that asserts a constitutional right to armed confrontation with the U.S. Government, believing they are a sprititual [sic] successor to the U.S. revolutionists who fought against the British Crown during the American revolution.” 

At the time of the riot, Brannan (circled below) was working as a jailer for the Midland County Sheriff’s Office.

Tony Martinez, right, in a tactical vest, has also been charged.

Trump supporter, ready for violence.

 

* 

884. KAREGAN BOSTIC: It took a little longer, but tips to the F.B.I., and a search of social media and other records eventually showed that Ms. Bostic was inside the Capitol, in company with her sister, Meghan Bostic Rutledge (#512 on our list), and her father, William Thomas Bostic, Jr. (#513). 

In a social media post from that day, Meghan posted a set of nineteen pictures, and captioned it: “After miles and miles of walking and climbing and climbing some more we made it inside the capitol building . What an experience for the books.” 

When interviewed by federal agents, Karegan admitted being inside the Capitol on January 6. She said she and her father and sister had simply “walked around,” and snapped a number of pictures. She said she saw no evidence of violence during the time she was inside and expressed the belief that “they had been ‘set-up’ when they heard about the violence inside the U.S. Capitol after the fact.” 

As for why she was there on January 6, she told the judge in her case that neither she nor her family members had plans to commit violent acts. 

In a plea for leniency, she explained: 

Myself and family members were simply there to listen to our former President, Donald Trump, speak. Since the arrest, I have taken time to research stories, and the division caused by that day in the hearts of many Americans, and I am sorry to those who I personally offended. … and as a proud American, I am ashamed for causing further division. I was raised to love and support our country, our government, our freedoms, and the laws that our founding fathers set in place that has made us a united nation and will be more mindfull going forward.

 

Her claims are interesting, when considered in light of charging documents, in her father’s case. It is alleged that “cell phone records showed [Mr.] Bostic had communications prior to Jan. 6 with a person who coordinated convoys, communications plans, maps and lists including a packing list. That list included a baton, body armor, helmets and portable chargers.” 

At any rate, Karegan pleads guilty, gets hit with three years on probation, like her sister and dad, gets billed $500, and gets to spend thirty days on house arrest. 

Trump supporter.

 

* 

885. JEREMIAH CAPLINGER: The trip from Michigan to Washington D.C. on January 6, and the to jail in August 2022, has no doubt proven bittersweet. For his role in the attack, Mr. Clapinger has been sentenced to 35 days behind bars, and will serve two years’ probation, with fines and community service added. 

Evidence used against him included a February 2021 story done by the Detroit website, MLive.com. In that article Caplinger was photographed, and the reporter explained, “Fueled by rage over a ‘stolen election’, a Michigan man breached the U.S. Capitol after Trump’s call to action.” 

Court documents continue: 

According to the article, CAPLINGER described how the events of 2020 “fueled outrage” among former President Trump’s supporters and “being told the election was stolen was one poke too many.” CAPLINGER stated that he drove to Washington, D.C. after Trump encouraged supporters to air their grievances about the election. CAPLINGER “expressed no sympathy toward lawmakers who thought they might die of rioters caught up to them” and “hesitated to condemn the actions of others who took a more violent role in the protest.” CAPLINGER further stated that he hopes to run for political office one day, noting, “My rage towards the establishment, Democrats and RINO Republicans is great. Think of Pompeii when it was destroyed by Mount Vesuvius.” 

Trump supporter, he believed the election was stolen.

 

* 

“That’s the day he called for patriots to show up.” 

886. DEREK SULENTA: The gentleman from Long Beach, California made the trek across the continent just in time to join the attack on Capitol Hill. No doubt, he was feeling hopeful in August 2022, having to that point avoided arrest. Alas, on August 4 agents came knocking, and Sulenta got cuffed. 

We’ll keep this entry simple since it’s easy to figure out who Sulenta loved. First, he was turned in by a relative. So that has to sting. Second, he was clear about why he went to Washington. “I’ll be there Jan 6th to support the president no matter what happens,” he posted on Facebook. “That’s the day he called for patriots to show up.” Sulenta was inside the Capitol for 47 minutes. 

Now he’ll spend 14 days in the jug, spend 60 more completing community service, and pay $500 in restitution. (I will check to see if the 60 should be “hours” of service. For now NPR says “days.”)

Trump “sent us.” 

 

* 

887. JOHN NASSIF: Good god! Facebook again! On January 8, 2021, Nasiff bragged about being inside the Capitol during the riot. 

He said he didn’t see any violence inside, just “pushing,” and added that anyone who called what happened “some type of coup etc is telling you lies.” 

From Mr. Nassif’s point of view, it may not have been an attempted coup – and he faces four charges for his efforts – but we now know that the President of the United States and his allies were indeed plotting in January 2020, to overturn the results of a fairly decided election. 

When arraigned in court in May 2021, Nassif decided he would prefer to be the only person not wearing a mask. 

And we should note again: Your tax dollars are at work here, on both sides. Nassif was represented by a public defender. 

We should also note, that on social media, Nassif has posted claims that left-wing groups such as Antifa organized the riot. He also groused about mask mandates in other posts, and insisted that the CDC had inflated COVID-19 deaths by 1600%. As the Orlando Sentinel notes, of Nassif’s musings: “Multiple posts were flagged for spreading false or misleading information.” 

Regardless, Nassif’s case works its way through the courts. He finally gets his dumb ass convicted and sentenced. 

Seven months in prison. 

Maybe he and all his cellmates can agree to go maskless. 

Trump supporter.

(CLAIMED ANTIFA DID IT!)

 

* 

Police should be “lined up and put down.” 

888-889. Marshall Neefe and Charles Bradford “Brad” Smith: If Mr. Nassif is just some clueless dope, Mr. Neefe and Mr. Smith a exponentially more dangerous – and definitely not members of Antifa. From November 4, until January 6, court records show, the two men communicated regularly on social media about their dissatisfaction with the results of the 2020 election. 

Neefe suggested various ways Trump could stay in power – and expressed the view that he’d like to see the country blow up. 

A screenshot from the records shows: 

 At one point, Smith replies, “The call to action has been put out to be in DC on January 6^th from the Don himself.” 

Neefe replies excitedly that he wants to go to D.C. because “I really wanna crack some commie skulls.” 

Smith also informed a friend that he and Neefe were buying axe handles and attaching American flags, “so we can wave the flag but also have a giant beating stick just in case.” 

(Ah! Patriotism! Trump style.)

 

Neefe added enthusiastically that he wanted to be in the capital when “trump is announced as president.” 

Smith posted again, telling a friend he had purchased a “KA-BAR” knife. “It’s the Military killin knife…Just needed a good one for DC.” 

In any case, the two men made it to DC. They rioted. They posted about their roles on social media. “We’re saying ‘Fuck it!” Smith explained. “Sic semper tyrannis, bitch. Down with tyrants.” 

He even admitted he was carrying a knife on Capitol Hill grounds. 

In the wake of the riot, Neefe posted once more. He and Smith heard the news on Pence, “Amd [sic] lost it…So we stormed.” He added, “Glad I got to be a part.” He further stated: “Im bringing a gun next time idec…Its only going to get more violent…Today was pussy shit…If I had my way every cop who hurled a baton or maced on one of us would be lined up and put down…We made sure they know we fucking OWN them.” 

In the end, however, Neefe and Smith did not own the police – nor was Trump restored to office. 

He’s still lying about the “stolen” election, of course. But neither of his supporters will be out of jail in time to vote in the 2024 election, should Trump run once more. Neefe has been sentenced to spend 41 months in prison. Smith will have the same amount of time in jail to mull over his politics. 

Trump “sent us” (both), ready for violence (both).

 

* 

“It’s war.” 

890. STACEY WADE HAGER: “It’s war,” Mr. Hager posted on Facebook on the day of the attack. Then he added photos which placed him inside the Capitol. The fact he was carrying a Texas flag as he entered made him easy to track. 

It does appear that the defendant was respectful of officers trying to hold back the mob. When he walked behind a police line to enter the building, an officer admonished him, 

The MPD officer told HAGER, in sum and substance, “Nah, nah, I get it, you are just walking up behind our line.” HAGER then responded: “Actually that was my purpose.” The MPD officer continued, “If you could not, we are all trying to stay safe and get home.” HAGER replied, “I know you are and I really respect y’all.”

 

He did not help his chances in court, when he posted on social media, as explained in charging documents: 

  

Phone records also placed Hager inside the Capitol Building. In public documents agents fail to redact his number: 254-681-4871. 

I should call for a chat. 

According to NPR, he was found guilty in a bench trial on April 4, 2023. 

Then again, as more evidence is developed, we learn that Hager yelled at officers defending the Capitol that day, calling them “fuckin’ pieces of shit.” At one point he howled: “You want to steal our election? Well fuck…everybody!” 

On July 13, 2023, Mr. Hager is sentenced to spend seven months in prison and pay $500 in restitution. 

Trump supporter, he believed in the “stolen election” story.

 

* 

891. THOMAS PATRICK HAMNER: Mr. Hamner showed up for the riot wearing a sweatshirt that read: “Guns don’t kill people. Clintons do.” 

Creative, at least. 

He was later seen, along with a group of other rioters, using a large Trump sign to batter police lines trying to hold back the mob. Hamner himself was involved in fights with the police. Certainly, he came prepared for battle, with a black helmet of some kind to protect his head. 

In another photograph from that day, Hamner is seen posing proudly alongside a life-size cardboard cutout of President Trump. 

Hamner could also be seen trying to wrestle police barricades away from officers, during the initial stages of the riot. 

In any case, Hamner was screwed. In September 2022, he was sentenced on just one count against him to 30 months in prison, a $2,000 fine, and an additional three years on supervised release. As DOJ records indicate, “All other charges remain pending.” 

(This may well indicate that Hamner has agreed to cooperate with prosecutors, in regard for leniency on the other charges.) 

(LIKELY TRUMP SUPPORTER; NOT KNOWN FOR SURE.)

 

* 

892. TRENISS JEWEL EVANS III: Evans pleaded guilty to a single felony. He was sentenced to 20 days in jail, had to cough up $5,500 in fines and restitution, and gets to spend the rest of  Biden presidency, plus, on probation. We know he made it into the Capitol and all the way to Nancy Pelosi’s office, where he took “shots of fireball” and recorded the celebration on his cellular phone. 

In another video, Evans can be seen, with megaphone in hand, firing up the mob. “I don’t support looting, I don’t support the violence,” he barks. “I support a peaceful protest to put them on notice that we the people demand justice.” 

Once again, federal agents fail to redact a rioter’s phone number, in Evans’ case: 179-897-1945. 

The yellow stocking cap the defendant wore that day also helped authorities pinpoint his positions during the riot. And it would appear, Mr. Evans stuck to his claim and did not participate in violence.

Trump supporter.

 

* 

893. JUSTIN MICHAEL SMITH: The arrests keep coming – and Mr. Smith gets his visit from federal authorities in May 2022. 

When he breached the Capitol on January 6, he was carrying a flag emblazoned with the words, “Trump 2020 The Sequel, Make The Liberals Cry Again.” A confidential source provided important leads in the case against him, and did so out of a “sense of outrage regarding the attacks on law enforcement” that bloody day. 

In one post on Facebook, Smith included the admonition: “When Tyranny Becomes Law – Resistance Becomes Duty.” 

The gentleman from Cleveland, Ohio faced four federal charges; in December 2022, he plead guilty to one misdemeanor. 

The price Mr. Smith pays for going to  Washington, in this case, is not especially steep: three years on probation, and a bill for $500. 

(LIKELY TRUMP SUPPORTER.)

 

* 

894. MATTHEW DASILVA: The Lavon, Texas man was initially charged with eight federal crimes, including multiple felonies, regarding his participation in the attack on democracy. 

On January 6, the Navy veteran had a full beard, long hair, and wore a distinctive scarf, that, back home, he wore almost daily. 

In the wake of the riot, one tipster told the F.B.I., Mr. DaSilva ditched the scarf, shaved his beard, and cut his hair short. Evidence, however, showed the defendant attacking at least one officer during the riot. 

The Statement of Facts in his case was limited when this blogger went looking – and if this blogger had had to bet on a third rioter who might beat the rap (see: Matthew Martin, #874 on our list, for the first, and James Beeks, #604, for a second), it would have been this guy. 

But I was wrong. 

On July 19, 2023, he got his riotous ass handed to him by the judge. Guilty on multiple counts. 

Turns out, he grabbed a police shield from a cop that day, and then swatted his hand away when he tried to give DaSilva a shot of chemical spray. For his role in the riot, he’s the winner of 28 months behind bars. I kept checking to see where he might have been on the political spectrum. 

I mean, you never know. Maybe…the elusive Antifa Bigfoot? Probably not, DaSilva is a U.S. Navy veteran. 

(NOT ENOUGH INFORMATION AVAILABLE.)

 

* 

“Time to UNLEASH HELL!” 

895. JAMES RUSSELL DAVIS: Davis is an easy man to pin down. He wore a Marine Corps cap to the riot, and in a video prior to the attack, he identified himself as a member of the Virginia chapter of the Proud Boys. Davis is also a gun rights advocate. And – the blogger is guessing here – I bet he hated mask mandates. 

In any case he is seen wielding a large stick during the riot, and wearing protective military-style gloves on his hands. At least twice, Davis charged police lines, making contact with officers. At some point he must have been hit with chemical spray because he “chokes and falls to the ground.” 

Police body cameras capture Davis shouting, “I fought for this country, I fought for this country, what the fuck are you doing, I fought for this country, I fought for this country, I’m a military fucking police, I’m a military police.” 

Prior to the attack on Capitol Hill, Davis messaged friends: “Bad Ass PRESIDENT TRUMP! 1776 REVOLUTION! GENTLEMEN, I Think PRESIDENT TRUMP just gave every PATRIOT and PROUD BOY the GREEN LIGHT! Time to UNLEASH HELL!” 

Ironically, a few days before the riot, Davis warned his fellow Proud Boys that someone was always watching social media, adding, “DON’T PUT STUPID SHIT IN WRITING!” 

It didn’t help his defense in court later, when it was revealed that shortly after the riot, Davis posted some stupid shit. “JD INVINCIBLE is  FUCKING INVINCIBLE! I did hit a few cops on the head with the BIG STICK, but unfortunately lost that beautiful weapon. We pushed forward and pushed the Capitol Police up their Emergency Staircase.” 

The cost of believing in Trump’s stolen election lies comes to two months in a federal lockup, and a tarnished reputation. Davis will also spend two years on probation, and must pay $2,000 in restitution.

 

Trump “sent us,” right-winger, violent.

 

*

Family affair.

896-897. KIMBERLY DIFRANCESCO and TRUDY CASTLE: On August 14, 2022, Ms. DiFrancesco’s case is closed when she pleads guilty to a single misdemeanor. She gets off without jail time, but has to pay $2,500 in fines and restitution. 

Pictures she sent to a friend – whose spouse promptly contacted federal authorities – put the defendant squarely inside the Capitol during the attack. Cellphone records also placed Ms. DiFrancesco inside the building – not to mention leading to the discovery of a second suspect, Trudy DiFrancesco, more commonly known as Trudy Castle, or sometimes Trudy Von Keudell. 

And then, in June 2023, this all leads to the arrest of another alleged rioter, Trudy’s adult son, Nicholas Von Keudell (#1059 on our ever-expanding list.) 

The pair could be seen entering the building at 2:24 p.m. on that fateful day, roaming the halls, snapping pictures, and exiting at approximately 3:02. 

At 4:21 p.m. the two tried to reenter, but riot police kept them and others at bay. Twelve minutes later, they could be seen on the north side of the Capitol, perhaps hoping to regain entry. 

Castle has also plead guilty, also to a single misdemeanor. And, like her sister, she gets $2,500 in fines and restitution. Both women will also be on probation for 30 months. 

We often say we can’t be sure if individual rioters are Trump supporters, because public information is limited. We can say that left-wing types are as scarce in these arrest records as polar bears in Miami. 

This picture gives us a good hint as to where the two sisters stood: 

(LIKELY TRUMP SUPPORTERS - BOTH.)

 

* 

Who was brainwashed? 

898. CALE CLAYTON: Drexel, Missouri’s own Cale Clayton makes the roster of arrestees for the attack, although it took more than a year for authorities to build a solid case against him. He admitted, during an interview with federal agents in March 2021, that he made the trip to D.C. to hear Trump speak at his “March to Save America” rally. 

That rally involved the president lying about a stolen election through his teeth, and firing up the dupes. 

At the time of his arrest, Clayton claimed he had been arrested on Capitol grounds, after he tried to return a police baton to an officer. Sadly, body camera footage from several officers painted a different picture. The suspect could be heard shouting, “We are going to win. You don’t have enough for all of us. You might hit me once or twice. You might spray me with pepper spray. I don’t give a fuck. There ain’t enough for millions of people here and you know it.” 

Once again, you don’t have to be a genius to figure out who these rioters are – although several GOP congresspersons have proven unable. They aren’t tourists. They aren’t legitimate protesters. At best, they’re fools. They believed the Liar-in-Chief. They thought their hero won the 2020 election. 

Clayton shouts at the police at various points: 

“You guys realize your President told us to be here. Your President! Hey, how does that make you feel? You’re defying your own fucking country. Your own country you’re defying. . . . The shit has hit the fan, yes. Remember that. Who do you [inaudible]? The fucking city of D.C.? The fucking mayor? Or the President of the United States. Are you a patriot? Or are you a fucking yes man?

 

“Fucking brain washed. You’re fucking brain washed. Look at you guys. Brain washed. Brain fucking washed. This is so much bigger than what we’re fucking doing right here. This is just the tip of the iceberg. 84 fucking million of us. Pissed off. What are you guys gonna do? . . . .Which side of history are you guys gonna be on?”

 

“Think about it. [Inaudible] the revolution. You ain’t gonna stop it. It’s already happening. . . You guys are just gonna be a little speed bump along the way.”

 

“Your fucking president told us to be here. You should be on this side, right here, going with us. You are an American citizen. Your fucking President told you to do that. You too. You too. You. All of you guys. That Tweet was for you guys. For us. For you.”

 

Video gives the lie (repeatedly) to Mr. Clayton’s claims of politeness toward police. Several times, he grabs police shields in an effort to break their lines. At one point he grabs an officer’s helmet. 

He was taken into custody on January 6, but released without charges. In March 2023, he pleads guilty to a pair of felonies. 

Who was brainwashed on that day? 

Him. 

In July 2023, prosecutors recommend a sentence of 33 months in prison. Clayton, they note, walked police lines, taunting officers to come and take the baton away from him. On July 11, he is sentenced to spend the next lengthy chapter of his life in prison: 30 months in the can. 

On that date, 980 days had passed since the 2020 election. No real voter fraud of any significance has been proven in court. 

Trump “sent us,” violent.

 

*

Crotch shot with a 2 x 4. 

899. JACOB TRAVIS CLARK: According to court documents, “Witness 1,” who helped identify Clark as a rioter, had known him “his entire adolescent and adult life.” Mr. Clark is a bit of a fitness buff, it also appeared. 

That witness also noted that Clark called the witness’s brother from inside the Capitol, to brag about being there. 

The defendant is prematurely bald, and the fact he roamed the halls of Congress on January 6, without a hat or facemask made him easy to identify. 

At one point, video from the day of the riot shows Clark “squaring up” as if to fight a plainclothes Capitol Police officer. Other rioters intervened. At another point, Clark puts his hands on an officer and is heard on video saying, “Next time we’re coming with [unintelligible]. 

We will have to guess what he might have said, but since we know GOP congresspersons have said the rioters were like ordinary tourists, we might fill in with: 

1.     Picnic baskets

2.     Swim trunks and suntan lotion

3.     Pictures of Vice President Pence we want him to autograph

 

We do hear Clark shout at officers that they are like Nazis and need to stand down. In January 2023, his fate was decided in a bench trial; and he was found guilty. 

Nor will it help his case to know that he posted during the riot, “I helped break down the door,” “I was the first one in the [Senate] chamber,” “We took the whole thing. They had to evacuate.”

 

UPDATE: It absolutely did not help. Clark got nailed for 33 months in prison, including for assault. (At one point, he hit an officer in the groin with a 2 x 4. At another, he “squared up” ready to throw bunches with a plainclothes officer.) He must also complete a year of supervised release. 

In fact, Clark had fun fighting for his Orange Hero. At one point, he texted his father happily, “It’s a trump thing I’m here for the riots when they say he isn’t the winner lol.” 

Trump supporter, violent, believed the election was stolen.

 

* 

Not voting for Trump in 2024.

 900. JASON BLYTHE: Blythe, 26, from Fort Worth, Texas, was hit with several serious charges, including participation in an assault on two police officers, one of whom was injured on January 6. He came prepared to fight that day, like so many rioters – and wore a military-style helmet painted on the side with the flag of Texas. 

He was arrested in January 2022, but when I updated my list in October, there was very little information available. I’m always too cheap to pay for access to court documents, but they usually get posted online by others. In Blythe’s case I do see a DOJ memorandum, noting that he “participated in attacks in which a metal crowd control barrier was used against two officers from the U.S. Capitol Police, including one who sustained bodily injury.” 

He's likely to be a Trump supporter – and an idiot – but at any rate, on February 2, 2024, he gets convicted of felony assault, and he’s going to miss his chance to vote in the November election. 

He may not be out of jail in time to vote in 2028, either. 

Then again, he was found guilty only on three charges – whereas Ryan Samsel, one of four other men who joined the attack with Blythe, was convicted on eight. Blythe gets nailed in September 2024, for 30 months in prison, followed by lengthy probation, and $2,000 in restitution. 

(LIKELY TRUMP SUPPORTER.)

Violent.

 

* 

“Chair man” at the riot. 

901. RALPH JOSEPH CELENTANO III: The moral of Mr. Celentano’s story on January 6: Don’t bring your own chair to a riot. Unless you intend to sit your dumb ass in it, and not attack anyone. 

According to the Statement of Facts in his case: 

Open-source video and security cameras captured multiple images of Ralph Joseph CELENTANO III (“CELENTANO”), of Broad Channel, New York (“NY”), participating in the riot at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 (depicted in the compilation of photos entitled Image 1). CELENTANO’s longer hair, two-toned jacket, flag, and folding chair affixed to his back/backpack make him distinctive in the crowd.

 

The defendant was also identified in another picture – used to establish his identity – as standing beside his “on and off again girlfriend.” 

So he’s also unlucky in love. 

In video and pictures from that day, Celentano can be seen approaching a police officer from behind, and pushing him over a ledge. 

All in the name of Donald J. Trump, in an attempt to “Make America Great Again,” and uphold “law and order.” 

And “un-steal” an election that was never stolen. 

In court documents, the officer who was pushed describes what happened: 

Officer K.E. was interviewed and recalls being “blind-sided” from behind in a “footballtype tackle” without warning, causing him to fall over the ledge to the terrace below. Officer K.E. stated his main concern was getting up so he would not be “stomped on.” He went on to state that he was frightened and no longer felt safe once he was on the lower terrace amongst such a large crowd. Officer K.E. said he probably sustained injuries during the fall, but he had so much adrenaline at that time that he could not be sure. After January 6, 2021, Officer K.E. did find bumps and bruises on his body but did not seek medical attention. Officer K.E., an Iraq war veteran, recalled thinking “I didn’t survive a war to go out like this.”

 

 

Celentano gives the officer a push.

 

Celentano is seen participating in several other physical altercations with officers on that day. 

Eventually, Celentano shoved U.S. Capitol Police Officer Kenrick Ellis over a banister. Ellis, who served in the military in Iraq, testified that he thought during the fighting outside the Capitol that was how it “was going to end” for him and that he feared he would never see his 5-year-old son again.

 

During one court hearing Mr. Celentano’s lawyer tried to block prosecutors from showing messages his client sent late on the evening of the January 6 riot. 

The defense also wanted to block the prosecution from showing jurors a picture of Celentano, possibly at home, wearing a shirt that reads: “Trump 2020: Fuck Your Feelings.” His lawyer said this would be “prejudicial” to his client. 

The wheels of justice grind on, until finally, on June 12, 2023, the day before Donald J. Trump gets indicted for a second time, a jury finds Celentano guilty on six of seven counts, meaning he’ll be in jail whoever runs for president in 2024. 

And probably 2028.

 

UPDATE: I was right; Celentano will spend 78 months behind bars, having been sentenced on January 30, 2024. 

Like so many fools, the prisoner believed the election had been stolen, even posting on social media, “crooked poll workers need to be hauled before judges.” He admitted he got “amped up,” listening to the president speak on January 6, and off he went to join the mayhem. On his backpack was a patch that read: 

“Kill Them All and Let God Sort it Out.”

 

After all the fighting ended for the day, Celentano wanted it to be clear who got credit for what had occurred. “Nope antifa and Blm didnt take the Capitol we the people did,” he said with pride. 

Trump supporter, violent.

 

* 

902. JASON MICHAEL COMEAU: According to records in his case, Comeau was turned in to the F.B.I. by a relative, “Person 1,” who said the defendant had “admitted to Person-1 that he had entered the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6, 2021, during the time when the Capitol was breached.” Person-1 did add, however, that Comeau “was confused because he believed some U.S. Capitol Police officers had told the crowd to enter the Capitol Building and others had told them to stay out.” 

When interviewed by federal agents, Comeau admitted he had entered the building, but said he went no further than a hallway and soon exited when officers asked. In fact, video from that day shows him in several locations, including as part of the mob that banged on the doors to the U.S. House of Representatives. 

Comeau is a U.S. Army veteran and a fan of President Trump. He agreed to a plea deal in December 2021. He ends up spending two months in home confinement, paying $871 in fines and restitution, being ordered to perform 60 hours of community service, and will spend an additional year on probation. 

Trump supporter.

 

* 

903-904. TUCKER WESTON and JESSE WATSON: The two friends from Lynnwood, Washington were arrested on October 19, 2022, and charged with participating in the riot. Weston found himself in deeper shit, charged with multiple felonies for his actions. Watson faced misdemeanor charges, spending only twelve minutes inside the Capitol. Weston was accused of assaulting police. 

The two men were roommates and booked a flight to D.C. for a three-day trip, January 5-7, 2021. 

Watson’s most “dangerous” act (not counting the fact he was protesting about a stolen election that wasn’t stolen) was taping a “Trump” banner to a pillar while inside the building. 

Weston, following the lead of President Trump – who routinely described the free press as “enemies of the people” – spent a good part of his riot time stomping media equipment for fun. For at least part of the time, he had a public defender assigned to his case. 

Jesse pled guilty to one misdemeanor, and got 45 days in jail, and sixty hours of community service. 

On July 31, 2023, Tucker also pled guilty. He got two years in the slammer, and three more on probationMore details to come. 

(LIKELY TRUMP SUPPORTERS – BOTH; NOT DEFINITIVE.)

 

* 

“Jack the Tripper” 

905. MIKHAIL EDWARD SLYE: Mr. Slye was brought to justice, in part through the avid work of an online group called “Seditionhunters.” Members of that group work to gather tips and information on riotous suspects. 

As the Statement of Facts in his case reads: 

The FBI received information that MIKHAIL EDWARD SLYE (“SLYE”) was involved in an incident with law enforcement just outside of the Capitol building on January 6, 2021. SLYE used a bike rack type barricade to intentionally trip a Capitol Police Officer, identified below as D.T., while the officer and his team were attempting to rescue another officer caught in the crowd. Further review of available video and surveillance video revealed that SLYE also illegally entered the Capitol building on January 6, 2021. In at least one of the surveillance videos, SLYE is observed using his cellular telephone. Additionally, a witness revealed that SLYE posted a “Facebook live video” on his Meta account.

 

On June 18, 2021, the website seditionhunters.org posted a collection of screen captures taken from online videos of the Capitol riots to various social media platforms. They dubbed the unknown subject “JackTheTripper.” As a result of the online post to social media platforms, the unknown subject was ultimately identified as SLYE, as explained further below.

 

At one point, police apparently sprayed the rioter in the face with a chemical spray. So that had to be kind of fun. Another member of the mob is shown helping him wash out his eyes. See below: 

 

Later, Slye is seen inside the building, but by this time he is wearing a baseball-style batter’s helmet with a face shield. He can also be heard at various points shouting at police, calling them “Nazis,” “traitors,” “fucking bitches,” and howling “this is our country.” 

It is that. It is Slye’s country. It is also the country of every Biden voter, and there were 81 million of us. 

But it’s now going to be Slye’s prison sentence. On January 3, 2022, he pleads guilty to one felony. 

On June 21, 2021, he gets sentenced to spend the next 30 months behind bars, the next 18, after that, on probation, and he must part with $2,000 in restitution. 

Trump supporter.

 

* 

“Wtf did you turn Tyrone into?” 

906-907. Carrie Ann Williams and TYRONE MCFADDEN JR.: You might say the engaged couple celebrated by attending the riot. 

They were first tripped up by information found during a search of social media posts from Aaron James Mileur (#754 on this list). F.B.I. agents then uncovered a “selfie” Williams posted, showing her and McFadden, apparently inside the Capitol, standing with Mileur. Further review uncovered a video from the day, posted by the “Young Patriot Society,” which featured interviews with Trump supporters. 

In court documents, one scene is explained: 

The individual next to WILLIAMS reported, “We were definitely within the first 100-150 people to get in that building,” to which WILLIAMS responded, “Yeah, we were too, we definitely were too.” MCFADDEN then stated, “They were going to lock us in there, you know what I’m saying? They bombed us twice.” At the conclusion of the interview, WILLIAMS stated, “We made it out safe. We’re good. We made history. We was not expecting this mess at all today. But we did it. We’re here. We’re still alive, we’re still kicking.”

 

When interviewed by authorities, the couple denied entering the building, but admitted they were close enough at one point to “look inside.” 

Video evidence, however, appears to show McFadden and Williams inside the Capitol at multiple points. Agents said they believed that the two suspects were “untruthful in the interview.” 

On social media, one angry friend of McFadden’s also asked Williams, 

“Wtf did you turn Tyrone into? He fell completely apart even more” and “Why yall down there representing Trump. He list all his mind.” 

Williams responded: “His mind is just fine my cousin was here visiting and he qant [sic] to see trump speak then all hell broke loose not cuz of us [sic].” 

The day after the riot, Williams and Mileur discussed on Facebook whether or not they should scrub their accounts of any evidence they took part in the attack on Capitol Hill. 

(McFadden and Williams both plead guilty to a single misdemeanor charge, each, in December 2022. So does Mileur. McFadden gets fined $500, hit with community service, and put on house arrest for 30 days.) 

Trump supporter – Williams. 

(McFadden - unclear.)

 

*

908. ZACHARIAH SATTLER: Mr. Sattler has the distinction of having zoomed in with his camera, to show his own vomit, during the attack on Capitol Hill. (He had just  been pepper sprayed and wanted to immortalize his contribution to freedom.) He had breached the building at 2:40 p.m. that day, and appears to have been puffing on a joint as he entered. He was inside for roughly twenty minutes. 

During his visit to D.C. Sattler spent time listening to President Trump at his rally, and said he wanted to go hang with the Proud Boys. He can be heard in one video, gazing at the Capitol, and saying, “there’s that bitchass Capitol Building with all them dirty motherfuckers in it.” 

Mr. Sattler pled guilty in the summer of 2023, and was finally sentenced to 30 days, two years on probation, and ordered to cough up $500. 

Trump supporter.

 

* 

909. JAMES W. BROOKS: Brooks did two tours of duty in Iraq, in service to this country; but you could argue he tarnished all he had done when he joined the attack on Congress. When arrested in January 2022, the Tennessee man admitted to reporters that he had been inside the Capitol, but insisted he entered and exited peacefully. 

For a number of rioters on this list, that seems to be true. And the light sentences many have received reflect that. 

As reporters for ABC News explained: 

Brooks said in the weeks leading up to the riots, he was being influenced by the QAnon conspiracy theory. Consuming misinformation online, Brooks said he believed events at the Capitol on Jan. 6 would prove the 2020 election had been stolen.

 

“What we were being told was that the FBI and the soldiers were standing behind Trump because it was a fraudulent election and arrests were going to be made,” Brooks said.

 

He believed the arrests would be of politicians, but that never came to fruition. He said he felt misled by the QAnon theories.

 

“If had known then, what I know now, that all the QAnon, underground news stuff I was reading was false, I would’ve still went, but I would not have entered the Capitol building,” Brooks said.

 

Brooks said President Trump’s speech at the Ellipse near the White House also proved motivational for the rioters.

 

“President Trump asked that we march to the Capitol and so we did,” Brooks said. “That could have got some extremists wound very tight. I can’t speak for them. I can only speak for myself.”

 

His story of peaceful intent may be true – or it may not. He carried pepper spray, and wore body armor that day, and carried a radio for communications. He was inside the Capitol for only about ten minutes. 

His punishment ends up light: community service, restitution, and one year on probation.

Trump “sent us,” believed the election was stolen,

believed in QAnon – but no longer does.

 

* 

910. JOHN CAMERON: The Port Orchard, Washington man started his day off on January 6, posting a picture on Facebook, dressed in Trump regalia, including a t-shirt carrying the words, “count all legal votes.” 

Which, by the way, is what the fifty states and D.C. had already done on November 3 and following days. 

He was inside the Capitol Building for approximately 22 minutes, did no damage, posted a video labeling what happened as “Civil Disobedience,” and then exited – sadly, as clueless as when he entered. 

Later, he posted yet another video, in which he described the events of the day: “Was it pretty? No. Did it make a statement? Yes.” 

It did make a statement. That statement was this: President Trump lied and lied and still lies about a “stolen election.” His followers believed him on January 6 (and many still do) and fools like Cameron showed up to “save” an America that was never in danger. There was no “saving” required. 

James W. Brooks (#909, above) had played his part well when he fought for our country in Iraq. But the proud veteran was sucked in by QAnon lies. 

And there were the absolute crazies, like Neefe (#888) and Smith (#889), who came to D.C. ready to spill blood, in order to “save” their own warped version of America. 

Trump lost the 2020 election. If this day was about civil disobedience, as Cameron believed, it was disobedience that went totally to waste. The cause for which these people were willing to fight was not just a lost cause. 

It was false. 

And the behaviors the President of the United States stirred up that day were a danger to all free elections to come. 

Cameron got off lightly, as this blogger would probably argue he should. He plead guilty to one misdemeanor and will do thirty days of intermittent confinement (basically going to jail on weekends) and spend three years on probation. He must pay $1,500 in fines and restitution. 

The person we most need to arrest is still at large. He was the leader of the mob, although you might say his bone spurs kept him safe again.

Trump supporter.

 

* 

911. GEOFFREY SAMUEL SHOUGH: Shough appeared on January 6, ready for battle, wearing a tactical helmet, goggles, knuckle-protecting gloves, and what appeared to be body armor under his clothing. He also wore a distinctive orange-brown jacket. 

Hint to future rioters: Where drab outfits, preferably black or dark blue. 

One tip led to another, including the dapper rioter’s former girlfriend, who fingered him in photos from the riot, and then to Shough’s arrest and guilty plea. The Austin, Texas man had told friends he was going to D.C. to hear Trump speak. 

F.B.I. agents even turned up bank records showing Shough paid $12 to a D.C. parking garage (the maximum) on January 6, and in December 2020, sent a payment to the “Oath Keepers” for $129.99. 

That allowed him, if nothing else, to stick an Oath Keepers decal on the back of his rioter’s helmet. 

He agreed to plead guilty to one felony charge, which carried a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and a heavy fine. 

On March 22, 2023, he learns that he has been award a Participation Trophy for Rioting, and can admire it for the next six months while his dumb butt is lodged in a federal hoosegow. 

He will also owe the federal government $2,000 in restitution, and will enjoy the services of a probation officer for another twelve months, after he is released. 

Trump supporter, right-wing type.

 

* 

912. JAMES McNAMARA: According to the Statement of Facts in his case, McNamara, 61, can be seen in action, as follows: 

at approximately 3:10 p.m. on January 6, 2021, while rioters were attempting to overwhelm officers by breaching the barricades and entering the North doors to the U.S. Capitol, the rioter is seen on video lunging forward, swinging his arms in the presence of law enforcement officers, and picking up a railing and ramming it at the door several times. He then leaves and returns to continue to attempt to enter the building before being sprayed by law enforcement with pepper spray.

 

In a second video McNamara and other rioters are hit with chemical spray, as well as rubber bullets. 

McNamara still doesn’t get the message, and at 3:12 p.m., he is seen striking at officers with a fist. 

When not trying to batter in the doors of the Capitol, McNamara offers his services as a plumber and water heater installer in Chicago, Illinois. As noted in court documents, he and a friend drove all the way to D.C., just to hear Donald Trump speak, and to get caught up in the fervor – and off “Mac” went to riot. 

Now he found himself in serious legal jeopardy. Charges against him included one felony and five misdemeanors. He eventually plead guilty to the felony count and was sentenced on August 11, 2023. 

He wins: 

1 year in prison

2 years on probation

$2,000 bill for restitution. 

Trump supporter, violent.

* 

Semper Fi, I guess. 

913. KALEB DILLARD: Mr. Dillard first came to the attention of law enforcement after receiving a tip from a member of a religious group to which he belonged. A second tipster, also from a religious group, contacted the F.B.I. Investigators soon uncovered photo and video evidence placing Dillard in the thick of the rioting throng. 

Dillard was accused of grabbing at least one police officer from behind and throwing him “to the ground.” 

Officer B.A. (his victim) did not seek medical attention at the time but did say later, “that’s when it got hazy for me.” 

Dillard was also accused of shoving a second officer soon after downing the first. Dillard shouted at other police that he was a military veteran – and, we can assume, in his mind, there to save American for Donald J. Trump. 

The 26-year-old man from Alabama is a graduate of Briarwood Christian High School, and a former Marine.

 

(Semper Fi, I guess. The blogger is a former Marine, as well.)

 

At the time of the riot, he was attending Samford University, a private Christian institution, founded in 1841, by Baptists. He was pursuing a degree in finance. As of July 18, 2023, however, he’s a convicted felon.

 

UPDATE: Dillard must serve ten months in prison, complete a year on probation, and pay a fine of $36,238.55. 

(LIKELY TRUMP SUPPORTER.)

 

* 

“Very vocal about where he was going.” 

914. ERIC DOUGLAS CLARK: Mr. Clark bragged on social media about how “ridiculously easy” it was to breach the Capitol Building, and posted pictures of himself inside. Originally disguised by a Guy Fawkes mask, Clark lost it at some point in all the pushing, shoving, and howling. 

From then on, he was easy to spot, in part due to a distinctive long beard. 

Prior to rioting, Mr. Clark, 44, from Louisville, Kentucky, was employed by NHK Spring Precision of America. His last day at work came on January 5, 2021. He had asked for compensation for his paid time off up front, was not fired or laid off, but never returned to his job. 

An informant quoted in the Statement of Facts in Clark’s case, says that his co-worker was “very vocal about where he was going,” prior to the riot, but does not say what Clark’s purpose might have been. 

Three years after the riot, on February 1, 2024, Mr. Clark is convicted on all counts by a jury of his peers. 

Eventually, he earns a five-month stint in a cell, and gets docked $500, not to mention having to pay lawyer costs. 

Trump supporter.

 

* 

“TRUMP or WAR.” 

915. JOHNNY HARRIS: Harris admitted to authorities that he entered the Capital and roamed around. He was a carrying a hybrid U.S.-Trump-themed flag, wearing an American flag-themed shirt and an American flag-themed gaiter (all of which might have been illegal – until a bunch of “leftists” challenged the rules on using flags and flag-like clothing and other items during protests). 

He also had a Trump-themed stocking cap affixed to his head. 

As for why he was there, days earlier, on Facebook, he had posted this rallying cry: “TRUMP or WAR.” 

(Which would mean war on other Americans, of course.)

 

His case – including four misdemeanor charges  (I had to look one up, to be sure) – would seem simple to close, as in one picture you can see him standing inside the Capitol. Nearby, another rioter can be seen holding a sign claiming that then President-Elect Biden was a pedophile. 

Harris was also carrying a megaphone during the riot.

Although the North Carolina man was charged in April 2021, until recently, I could find almost nothing about his case online. It could be the fact he did a lot of filming inside the Capitol – and that footage might have been valuable to investigators. He did say, during his own investigation that he was embarrassed by what he had done on January 6, but “believed what he had done was for the good of the country.” According to the Charlotte Observer he pled guilty in February 2023. 

On June 2, Harris learns the cost of his participation: Seven months in prison, and another year devoted to visits with a probation officer. He also owes $500.

Trump supporter. 

 

* 

Your tax dollars at work. 

916. NICHOLAS PATRICK HENDRIX: The man from Gorham, Maine showed up for the riot garbed in a tasteful “Biden sucks, Kamala swallows” t-shirt. He initially plead innocent, then took a deal. 

Like a number of other rioters, your tax dollars went to defend Mr. Hendrix, 34, who made use of a public defender. 

When not trying to disrupt the official business of Congress, and help Donald J. Trump remain in office (even though Trump lost the 2020 election by seven million votes), Hendrix is a pipefitter. 

He’s also a veteran, suffering from PTSD, and the father of five children. On June 27, 2022, Mr. Hendrix plead guilty to one misdemeanor. Dad gets 30 days in jail, has to pay $500 in restitution, and has to chat with a probation officer for the next three years.

The judge in his case admonishes Hendrix, an army veteran, for failing to understand the oath he took to protect this country from all threats, foreign and domestic, and sentences him to 30 days in jail. 

Trump supporter.

 

* 

“I don’t think we had an honest election process in 2020.” 

917. ERIK HERRERA: Herrera is another easy rioter to sum up. In Instagram posts he explained how he went to D.C. “for both photojournalism and our people.” 

By “our people,” he meant Trump supporters. 

When questioned by another Instagram user, as to whether he thought Trump won the 2020 election, Herrera responded, “I don’t think we had an honest election process in 2020. People are fed up.” 

Herrera also admitted that a press patch he wore that day on his body armor could be purchased on Amazon for $8. (He also prepped for the day by putting on a pair of goggles and a gas mask.) 

On August 19, 2022, a jury convicted him on five counts, including one felony. 

In a plea for mercy, at sentencing, he submitted a statement that read, in part: 

Your honor, I still have no idea why I behaved in the manner I did at the capitol on January 6th. I became swept up in the emotions of what was happening around me. Even though I have photographed many protests and rallies before, I have never found myself in a situation like January 6th in my entire life. I still cannot understand how that many people ended up on the capitol grounds that day to cause damage and violence.

 

Here’s a hint, for the defendant. Because you listened to this guy, talking about the “egregious assault” on our Constitution. 

 

Herrera’s lawyer tells the judge his client had been working hard since the riot, to “get his life back together,” and claims Herrera has “done a lot of growing.” That may be true, but the court decides this particular rioter will have to do his growing, for the next four years, from inside a jail cell. 

He will then spend three more years on probation, and his actions cost him $3,000 in fines and restitution. 

Trump supporter, he believed election was stolen.

* 

918. JOSHUA JOHNSON: Soon after the riot, federal authorities began trying to track down Mr. Johnson – who showed up on January 6 with a gas mask in hand. Video coverage from the day of the riot clearly showed Johnson inside the U.S. Senate chamber during the attack. 

Previous booking photos led to a visit by F.B.I. agents to a listed address for the suspect at an apartment in Spokane, Washington. By that time he had moved and left no forwarding address. Phone records and positive identifications by two family members also indicated that Johnson had breached the Capitol Building. 

In July 2021, he was arrested on an unrelated domestic assault charge. At that time he was interviewed by federal authorities. 

In the Statement of Facts in his case, we learn: 

JOHNSON explained he had entered the Capitol Building because he wanted to “stop the steal”; he hoped to find Congress in session and stand there and “be heard” by Congress. He hoped to convince then-Vice President Pence to “do the right thing” and call out the “funky business going on with the votes.”

 

In the end, Johnson and the others did not “stop the steal,” because the only person actively trying to steal the election was their Orange Hero. Johnson gets his dumb ass convicted in March 2023, on a felony count. 

In July, he gets handed 24 months in prison and has to hand over a check for $2,000 in restitution. 

Trump supporter, who believed election was stolen.

 

* 

919. THADDIS JOHNSON JR.: Two days after the attack, the F.B.I. had already identified Mr. Johnson as one of the rioters. 

On January 26, 2021, in an interview, Johnson admitted he traveled to D.C. at “the request of United States President Donald Trump.” He denied entering the Capitol, but video showing him wearing the official red MAGA hat and carrying a yellow “Don’t Tread on Me” banner placed him inside. 

He was arrested in May 2022, and the following August pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge. 

He gets house arrest for six months and some of the other typical “goodies” handed out to low level actors in the riot. 

Trump “sent us.”

 

* 

Like hugging Jesus Christ. 

920. MICKI LARSON-OLSON: Larson-Olson opted for a jury trial – which is the right of any good American, or even a riotous one – got convicted, and was hit with a sentence of 180 days in jail. 

On the day of the attack, the Abilene, Texas woman, 53, was dressed as Captain America, and therefore easily picked out of any mob. When asked to leave the area, she repeatedly refused, waved the two flags she was carrying, and eventually, using her arms and legs, latched onto scaffolding set up for the Biden inauguration, like a barnacle. The feisty “Captain” shouted at police, calling them “traitors.” 

Eventually, six officers managed to pry her dumb, Trump-loving ass off the scaffolding and carry her from Capitol Hill grounds. 

Later, she described events from her own goofy perspective: 

I have NEVER felt BRAVER, STRONGER IN MY WHOLE LIFE. I GOT TEAR GASSED AND STOOD BACK UP ON A BALCONY SHOWING MY Q FLAG and a Troops for Trump flag. I walked all over in my high heeled boots. I got dragged through the grass by 2 cops, that did that twice and told me to stand and I said no. I need my back pack and they wouldn’t let me get it, but they finally gave up and the Captain let me get it. I gave him y WE’RE READY TO FIGHT POEM. I GOT CARRIED DOWN MANY FLIGHTS OF STEPS BY COPS AFTER getting tear GASSED. It’s all good.

 

In a video shot at a Trump rally in Youngstown, Ohio, later, Larson-Olson, still wearing her favorite costume, said proudly that she was a January 6 defendant, and still believed the election had been stolen. 

As late as April, 2023, Larson-Olson was still showing up for Trump events (including a campaign rally in New Hampshire) dressed in costume. At a campaign rally for Trump, she told the reporter Ryan Reilly, that Hugging Donald Trump “felt like what she imagines it would be like to hug Jesus Christ.” 

(Assuming Christ might grab her pussy?)

 

Reilly further noted that Larson-Olson still hopes to see former Vice President Pence executed for treason. 

“The punishment for treason is death, per the Constitution...every single person that stole a voice from our collective voice of ‘We the people, of the people, for the people, by the people,’ deserves death,” she explained, “and no less than that.”

Ms. Larson-Olson has also expressed a desire to see the ranks of congressmen and women thinned with a few executions, to be carried out by the military, and insists Trump is still the president. Last night, at the rally, Trump even signed the backpack she was wearing on January 6.

 

Trump supporter, QAnon, believed the election was stolen. 

 

* 

921. ROGER KENT BAUGH: In October 2022, the Kentucky man plead guilty to a charge of felony disorder, related to his participation in the January 6 attack. 

Baugh picked up Mark Mazza (#556 on our list), at a casino in Ohio, and they traveled together to the nation’s capital. As federal authorities note, “Baugh’s intent to travel to Washington, D.C. with Mazza was to attend the “Stop the Steal” rally at the Ellipse to protest Congress’ certification of the Electoral College.” 

Both men joined in an effort by rioters that day, shortly after 3:00 p.m., to fight their way through a narrow tunnel and gain entry to the Capitol Building. Baugh himself exited the tunnel by 3:14 p.m. “Shortly thereafter, Mazza took a metal baton from an officer at [sic] struck him in the arm and yelled inside the tunnel, ‘This is our fucking house! We own this house! We want our house! Get out of the citizen of the United States’ way!’” 

A few minutes later, Baugh reentered the tunnel where he joined in rioters’ attempts to drive back a line of hard-pressed police officers. 

In July 2022, Baugh reached a plea agreement. In a plea for leniency, before sentencing, the defendant’s lawyer notes: 

Mr. Baugh has worked very hard in his life to be a good person and a good father. He has raised three daughters basically by himself as he has had custody of the daughters for many years. He has had to go through a very difficult divorce and other proceedings with his wife and got little support from her in raising his daughters.

 

It doesn’t work; and in January 2023, Baugh is sentenced. He gets one year and one day in prison, and a fine of $2,000. He will also have to complete two years of supervised release. 

He and Mazza will soon be visiting another “people’s house.” 

Federal prison. 

Trump supporter, he believed the election was stolen.

 

* 

922. CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM: Mr. Cunningham rioted on January 6, 2021, got arrested the following August, plead guilty in April 2022, and was finally sentenced in June. He will serve a year on probation, including three months of home detention, and be required to pay a fine of $1,113, an additional $500 in restitution, and perform community service. 

According to court documents in his case, Cunningham left Nashville, Tennessee with “another individual,” so that they could “support President Trump at the planned rally on January 6.” 

He was one of the first wave of rioters to enter the building, around 2:20 p.m., and remained inside for approximately ninety minutes. He posted pictures of himself inside House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office. 

Trump supporter.

 

* 

923. RICHARD ESCALERA: Poor Escalera may be the only rioter all day to be filmed vomiting on the floor of the Capitol Rotunda. 

He originally faced four misdemeanor charges.

 

On that fateful, vomiting day, the suspect was wearing a camouflage baseball cap, featuring the words, “Lions Not Sheep.” 

Like so many rioters, Escalera traveled a long way to hear Trump speak, and heard him lie (again) about a “stolen election.” Escalera, the poor dope, believed Trump and marched on the Capitol. Phone and photographic evidence place him inside during the attack, though he denied it. 

It didn’t help his defense to learn that a text message (with picture) he sent to a friend after rioters were cleared from the building read, “Loved every minute of it dude. Here’s a before and after storming the Capitol today.” 

He pled guilty to a single misdemeanor charge, and in August 2023, learned that he would be spending seven days in the slammer, and two years on probation. 

Trump supporter.

 

* 

“I am ready for Civil War…” 

924. KASEY VO OWEN HOPKINS: Hopkins, 47, from Kansas City, Kansas was charged with four misdemeanors for his minor role in the what many Trump allies intended to be an insurrection. Entering the Capitol through a fire door, at 2:54 p.m., he made his way to the office of Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon, a Democrat. He also took a selfie next to a bust of Winston Churchill and exited by 3:15 p.m. 

In the Statement of Facts in his case, we learn that federal agents visited Hopkins at his home on September 14, 2021. Hopkins voluntarily explained why he was in D.C. on that awful day for democracy: 

HOPKINS had travelled to Washington, DC, for the “Stop the Steal” rally. After the rally, he walked to the U.S. Capitol building. When he arrived, the building had already been breached. HOPKINS showed agents a cell phone photo of his clothing from that day but did not provide a copy. In the photograph, HOPKINS was wearing a red “Trump Train” baseball cap, a gray hooded sweatshirt under a black vest, and blue jeans. HOPKINS added that he had also been wearing a blue face covering.

 

Dangerous? By himself? Nope. 

In the aggregate, yes. Prior to his trip to D.C., Hopkins interacted with the Proud Boys – but his membership was rejected, since he had spent seven years in prison previously, for rape. Hopkins also messaged “Person 1,” about going to Washington, but that individual had a problem with his work schedule. “I am ready for Civil War and will definitely take off for that,” however, Person 1 promised. Hopkins responded, “Civil war would suck! However, if shit gets outta hand we’ve gotta plan. Hope you do too!” 

The judge in his case referred to January 6 as “no less than an attempt to overthrow the government to halt the transfer of power that has gone on uninterrupted in this country since its founding.” 

Hopkins, then, was just a cog in a machine cobbled together by pro-Trump forces, and poorly designed to stop the certification of an election that their weird orange hero had lost. No other president had ever gone so far to stay in power illegally. Trump’s still lying, too, and insisting he won. Hopkins is going to spend four months in prison, and he’ll be on probation during the 2024 election.

Hopkins with flag.

Trump supporter.

 

* 

Trump always planned to say the election was stolen. 

925. Steve Bannon: We include in our list, Mr. Bannon, an ally of President Trump who is suspected of helping plot to stir up the riot on January 6, and in other ways overturn the results of the 2020 election. 

All in service to the Liar-in-Chief. 

The election wasn’t stolen. In fact, Bannon is on tape admitting that Trump planned to say the election was stolen before it was held. 

Bannon refused to answer a summons to testify before Congress regarding his role in the suspected plot. A jury convicted him of contempt, and on October 21, 2022, Bannon was fined $6,500 and sentenced to four months in jail. 

The case is now on appeal. 

Bannon, of course, is Trump’s kind of guy. He was accused of bilking yahoos out of millions in donations, after he and two partners promised the cash would go toward building a big, beautiful border wall with Mexico. 

Trump granted him a pardon just before he left the White House – but Bannon’s co-conspirators in the “We Build the Wall” scam were convicted and sentenced to prison. Bannon was accused of pocketing $1 million, and paying out part to Brian Kolfage, one of his co-defendants. Kolfage, will be sentenced in December 2022, and is looking at up to five years in prison. 

Andrew Badolato, a third defendant, is likely to get off with a lesser penalty, but still a significant 3 ½-4 years. 

FUN FACT: The short section of wall the scammers did get built proved so shoddily done that it soon threatened to tip over and fall into the Rio Grande River. 

Trump supporter, right-winger,

said the election was stolen – knew it wasn’t.

 

* 

AR-15s, Jesus and Trump! 

Maryanne Larrea: What kind of people went to Washington D.C. to hear Trump speak on January 6, 2021, and ended up marching on the Capitol? Larrea, 22, a gun rights activist and conservative Christian, attended the Trump rally that morning. But she is not accused of joining the attack. 

In the wake of the riot she told reporters for Time, “Everyone is saying it was a terrorist attack. Everyone thinks I’m a terrorist because I was at that event.” Time explained in the days immediately following the disaster: 

Even veterans of the Trump Administration have urged the government to unleash the tools of counterterrorism, honed in the two decades since 9/11, against the perpetrators of the Capitol assault, their supporters and their associates.

 

“It will be a generational challenge for us,” says Elizabeth Neumann, who served for three years under President Trump as the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security, overseeing counterterrorism and threat prevention. “We have to go after the people doing the incitement, the people who are very serious about doing these attacks, with the same intensity that we did with Al Qaeda.”

 

Among the crowd that took part in the violence, there were dozens of people whose names are already on a government watch list of extremists – the Terrorist Screening Database, a massive catalogue of individuals seen as potential security risks, according to a Washington Post report that cited people familiar with the FBI’s investigation. Vice News reported separately on Thursday that one of the Trump supporters outside the Capitol that day had once served time for fire-bombing an abortion clinic.

 

Still, among the thousands of people Trump urged to march on the Capitol last week, known extremists and terrorism suspects make up a small fraction. They are even smaller when compared to the President’s base of hardcore supporters. In a YouGov survey published on Wednesday [shortly after the riot], two thirds of Republicans said that Jan. 6 was a “bad” or “tragic” day for America. But 16% of Republicans said they approve of the takeover of the Capitol.

 

Larrea, the young Trump supporter, counts herself among this minority, as do many members of her church group. Known as the Rod of Iron Ministries, the group is about as extreme as it gets in their worship of the President and his policies. Based in rural Pennsylvania, they use AR-15 assault rifles in their religious ceremonies, and they believe that Trump’s presidency is a literal godsend for conservative Christians.

 

The day after the riot, they gathered at the Tommy Gun Warehouse, a massive firearms emporium in the town of Greeley, to take stock of what had happened at the Capitol. “The people at the Capitol signified the people of the world,” Larrea says in summarizing the message of her church leaders. “In a way, we are taking back, the people are taking back the world from the evils of the world. That’s what my congregation has been talking about.”

 

If the Biden Administration wants to take on this threat, it will also need to start designating far-right extremist groups as terrorist organizations, says Soufan, who has long pushed for such designations against neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups.

 

In other words, Larrea is representative of the crazy groups that crystalized around the former president of the United States. You had the nuts stirred up by The Nut, putting democracy at risk. 

Trump supporter (not accused).

 

* 

“DiGiovanni and Sons Construction.” 

926. Gino DiGiovanni: Let’s add Mr. Giovanni to our list next – since the GOP office holder from Connecticut has admitted he breached the Capitol during the January 6 riot. 

After online sleuths identified him in October 2022 (aided by the fact he wore a company jacket to the riot, bearing the name “DiGiovanni and Sons Construction”), he was asked by an NBC reporter it he was indeed the man seen in pictures from the day of the attack. “I was there, I went inside there, and, you know, I didn’t damage or break anything,” the defendant said.

“Obviously, you got the pictures to prove it.” 

Finally, on August 15, 2023, he was formally charged in the matter. In November, the defendant runs for mayor of Derby, Connecticut, but the voters rejected the riotous candidate. 

In December, he agrees to plead guilty to a single misdemeanor charge.

 

Don't wear your company jacket to a riot.

Trump supporter.

* 

“Multiple assaults.” 

927-928. DOUGLAS WYATT and JACOB MICHAEL THERRES:  It takes time to bring Wyatt and his stepson Therres to justice. Their initial trip to court comes in November 2022. 

Wyatt was turned in by a Facebook friend who spotted several of his posts on social media. The tipster then informed the F.B.I. that the Maryland man had been involved in “terrorist acts in Washington D.C. on January 6^th.” 

One tip led to another, and the case against the two men began to build. According to the Statement of Facts in their case, Wyatt first denied entering the Capitol, or engaging in any violence. Authorities were able to locate photos and video that show an individual “subsequently identified as WYATT being involved in multiple assaults of unknown law enforcement officers with an unknown chemical spray on the Lower West Terrace of the Capitol on January 6, 2021.” 

Then there was this: 

On November 23, 2021 the FBI reviewed open source media and footage which depicted THERRES at the United States Capitol Building on January 6, 2021. THERRES is observed in multiple videos holding and throwing a long, heavy plank of wood that WYATT handed him toward a line of officers. The wood plank thrown by THERRES strikes an officer in the head. THERRES can be seen pointing and laughing at officers while the officers fought with protestors. THERRES is also observed spraying contents of an unknown chemical spray towards a line of officers.

 

And this: 

On April 5, 2022 the FBI interviewed an individual with close contact to THERRES. That individual positively identified THERRES in [photos from the attack] and indicated that THERRES has been very vocal in his social circle of being at the Capitol on January 6, 2021 and inflicting violence on police officers, with potentially a taser.

 

Wyatt also made it clear he would be in D.C. that day because he wanted to “Stop the Steal” of the 2020 election. 

Therres agrees to plead guilty in January 2023, and admitted to assaulting multiple officers during the riot. 

On April 24, 2023, he learned that he would be spending the next 40 months behind bars. And then 36 months more on probation. 

Wyatt stretched his case out until September 2023 and finally pled guilty. In the end, he got and even longer sentence in jail: 46 months, 36 more on probation, and a bill for $2,000 in restitution. 

Trump supporter, violent, believed the election was stolen, (Wyatt). 

Trump supporter, violent (Therres).

 

* 

929-930. DEBORAH ANNE KUECKEN and GARY FRANCIS SMITH: The Michigan siblings were arrested and charged in October 2022. Smith, 71, and Kuecken, 67, face serious charges, including violent entry. 

On Facebook, Gary’s page carried the banners: “We the People,” and “Stop the Steal.” According to the F.B.I., his son positively identified him in pictures taken inside the Capitol, during the riot. 

The two siblings, however, get off easy, with sentences of three years’ probation and bills for $500 in restitution. 

Trump supporter, he believed the election was stolen (Smith) 

Trump supporter (Kuecken).

 

* 

931-933. DAVID KRAUSS, NICHOLAS KRAUSS and RUSSELL DODGE JR.: The three men can be seen in multiple videos, taking part in the riot on Capitol Hill. All three attended the Trump rally that morning. All three have admitted they were inside the building during the riot, but for only seventeen minutes. 

This is mean to say, but David was identified, in part, because of his bald pate, in several photos. 

Russell is the first to plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge. Krauss and Krauss soon follow. Dodge gets probation, community service, and a bill for $1,500. The Krauss brothers soon cave, and get the same kind of sentence – including 60 hours of community service apiece. 

Their lawyer had asked for $50 fines, instead, and said the three rioters were Trump supporters who came to D.C., only to protest peacefully – and do their mite to help Donald gain a second term he didn’t really win. 

(The last part of that sentence is not how she couched her argument, of course.) 

Trump supporters (all three).

 

* 

934. RAUL JARIN: What a bummer! Jarrin has admitted he traveled all the way from Houston, Texas, to D.C. in time to attend the Trump rally on the morning of Jan. 6. When asked by federal agents if he had ever been inside the Capitol during the riot, Mr. Jarrin denied it. 

It is possible that he was inside for as little as fifteen seconds, traveled only ten feet, snapped a photo or two, and exited. 

Good enough to be charged with two misdemeanors – probably not enough to garner much in the way of jail time or heavy fines. 

He has pleaded guilty, and has been sentenced to 14 days in jail (mostly for lying to federal authorities). 

His little “trip” also cost him $500, and he will be on probation for the next three years. 

Trump supporter.

 

* 

935. JOSIAH PABLO HUESO: The San Diego man was seen in a video from the riot, talking about storming into the Capitol with other rioters, and trying to get police “on our side, basically.” He was turned in by tipsters almost immediately, but not arrested until May 2022. He has admitted he was inside, has been charged accordingly, and was released on $5,000 bond. 

And, if you’re a fan of irony, Hueso was caught because he appeared in a CNN video from the day of the attack. 

He has since pleaded guilty to a single misdemeanor charge, related to his riotous antics. In August 2023, he is sentenced to perform 50 hours of community service, hand over $500 in restitution, and spend the next three years of his young life reporting to his probation officer regularly.

Trump supporter.

 

* 

Two more charges than all the Antifa rioters charged so far. 

936. LLOYD CASIMIRO CRUZ JR.: Cruz told F.B.I. agents he drove to D.C. with friends, all the way from Missouri, to attend the rally on the morning of January 6, and support the president. 

At first, he denied entering the building, mentioned seeing Antifa-type folks, but later gave federal agents evidence that showed he had gone inside – but somehow forgot. He faced two charges – or two more charges than all the member of Antifa charged with participating in the riot (0 members) face so far. 

He gets convicted, as well, and earns 45 days in jail, a year of supervised release, and gets to hand over $500.

Trump supporter.

(CLAIMED TO SEE ANTIFA.)

 

* 

937. MENACHEM COHEN: According to the Statement of Facts in his case, Cohen admits he was inside the Capitol Building on January 6. He has also said that he is ready to deal with the ramifications of his arrest, which did not occur until November 21, 2022, just three days before Thanksgiving. 

He was sentenced to June 2023, to spend three years on probation, perform 60 hours of community service, and pay $500.

(POLITICAL AFFILIATION UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME.)

 

* 

“See grandkids, this is what it’s all about. This is why you’re free.” 

938. Henos Woldemichael: A lengthy search was required to identify Woldemichael, who first appeared on F.B.I. radar when he was seen in videos from the phone of Felipe Marquez (#2 on our list). When questioned by federal agents on January 19, 2021, Marquez gave permission to search his phone. An unidentified individual was seen giving an interview from inside a U.S. senator’s office. 

Marquez and Woldemichael then exchanged text messages – which, in the end, helped lead to the latter’s arrest. 

When first contacted, Woldemichael said he had been on a “one man mission” that fateful day. But it appears that the two rioters are friends. In a video from that day, Woldemichael is seen leading rioters to knock back a lectern police had tried to use to block an entry. He is pepper sprayed soon after, but proudly announces in a video from that day, “See grandkids, this is what it’s all about. This is why you’re free. All these great patriots.” 

In messages sent between Marquez and Woldemichael, the latter says he was “willing to go to jail for what he did.” Pictures from Woldemichael’s phone also show him attending the Trump rally earlier that day. 

(LIKELY TRUMP SUPPORTER.)

 

* 

“A man as vulgar, chauvinistic, and narcissistic.”

939. TYNG JING YANG: Phone records and photographic evidence placed Mr. Yang, 60, inside the Capitol during the riot. 

In one photo, Yang and Garrett Miller (#53 on our list) are seen posing together, in matching, red MAGA hats. 

In video taken during the riot, we see “law enforcement officers attempting to clear a large number of individuals from the Capitol Rotunda, including YANG. During those efforts, YANG physically resisted law enforcement officers and grabbed hold of a police baton while an officer was using it to push back against other rioters.” That last act (a felony offense) could have landed the Illinois man in serious legal jeopardy. 

As one legal expert explained to ABC News, “A felony charge is punishable by more than a year in jail. So that’s obviously an important distinction right there, but a felony charge sticks on your record in a way that a misdemeanor doesn’t. It makes it [more] difficult to get jobs than ever, to possess a handgun, to vote. It is really, really serious consequences.” 

When a reporter called a phone number associated with Mr. Yang, a man who answered said, “We don’t talk to journalists,” and hung up. 

Mr. Yang did talk to the judge, however, and on September 13, 2023, he pled guilty to one offense. 

Let’s see: Yeah, it’s a felony, so the defendant is going to pay a heavy price for believing in Trump’s lies.

 

UPDATE: Okay, it could have been worse. Mr. Yang, an immigrant from Tiawan, gets six days in jail, two years on probation and has to cough up $3,000 in fines and restitution. It no doubt helped that his son, Ryan Yang, an officer and physician with the U.S. Army, vouched for the character of his dad. 

Captain Yang wrote, in part: 

Whenever I would ask him why he was at the riots, he tells me that he never planned for the event to become violent – he just wanted to show his support to President Trump and that the corrupted media was simply dramatizing the actions of the Trump supporters much like when the media embellished their attacks on Trump’s character. Whenever I would ask him how he could support a man as vulgar, chauvinistic, and narcissistic as Donald Trump my father would tell me that Trump represented the courage to stand up to China where he believed the rest of American politicians could not. As a Taiwanese American immigrant and a former Taiwanese marine, my father has strong anti-chinese political convictions. … He believed that supporting Trump could somehow protect his brothers, sister, and mother in Taiwan...

 

Writing this character letter is difficult because while I don’t see my father as a menace to society, his offense is clearly documented despite his lack of ill-will or intent. He has expressed his immense sorrow to myself and my mother for the financial burden the legal fees has placed on our family and the shame my father felt watching the FBI detain her husband. My father undoubtedly committed a crime and my intent in writing this letter is not to ignore that fact – but rather, I hope to convey an idea of the tireless immigrant father that he was and how out of character this event has been in the context of his 23 years of dedicated employment at Motorola since we immigrated to this country. Given the opportunity, I am confident that my father will continue to contribute as a productive member of the American workforce, and that he has learned from his experience that he will not involve himself in violent riots in the future. 

Trump supporter.

* 

Body armor and goggles. 

940. Joseph Howe: It took twenty-one months, but Mr. Howe was finally arrested in October 2022. The Magnolia, Kentucky man is charged with assaulting a police officer during the riot. Like so many others, Howe attended the “Stop the Steal” rally and listened to Trump rant about saving the country. 

As he marched toward the Capitol, he is allegedly seen on video, insisting, “We’re getting into that building,” and later can be seen using a baton-like device to strike at a line of officers. Howe, 40, allegedly showed up for the riot wearing body armor under his coat and goggles for eye protection. 

Multiple witnesses told federal authorities that Howe had spoken openly about his plans to attend the Trump rally, in company with Michael Sparks, a co-worker (#40 on our list). Howe is said to have been one of the first rioters to enter the building, at around 2:13 p.m., as was Sparks. 

Trump supporter.

 

* 

941. Brian Sizer: Well, this has to suck. Mr. Sizer was snagged after his wife, Julia Sizer (#848 on our list), admitted to federal agents that she and her husband had entered the Capitol Building during the riot. 

The couple even got hit with chemical spray during the attack, although neither Mr. or Mrs. Sizer is accused of any violent acts. 

So: two charges for Brian. 

And two for Julia. 

(LIKELY TRUMP SUPPORTERS.)

 

* 

“To smack a couple of politicians around.” 

942. JUSTIN DEE ADAMS: Adams came a long way from West Jordan, Utah, in hopes of supporting President Trump, only to get charged with assaulting cops in the end. But all in the name of freedom! 

He has now been convicted for charging police lines, and “physically attacking one or more police officers.” 

Adams had “fun” yanking a bicycle rack barrier away from officers, and throwing a water bottle at another. Later, the riotous chap “struck an officer twice in the head with his hands. One of the blows hit the officer in the face mask, and the second blow hit the officer in the face underneath the mask.” 

On the Parlar website, Adams has an account under the vanity name “JD Guns and Gear.” In various posts, he could be seen with two other individuals (so far unidentified), and he explains that they will soon be “starting the road trip for. . . Washington DC.” Once they arrive, he says, they hope “to smack a couple of politicians around.” 

Adams is a big fan of the Second Amendment, but he won’t be handling many guns now. He was tracked down and arrested in October 2022. On August 24, 2023, he pled guilty to felony assault. 

On December 8, 2013, a judge sentenced him to spend the next 17 months in a prison cell, looking out wistfully, as the sun rises and sets. As a bonus, upon his release, he will have a year extra to visit his probation officer. 

Trump supporter, right-winger, violent.

 

* 

Don’t bring your cellphone to a riot. 

943. DAVID ARREDONDO: Okay, this is getting ridiculous. If you’re planning on rioting, people, don’t bring your cellphone – which will help the F.B.I. place you inside the Capitol Building during festivities. 

Arredondo did bring his phone – and did crash the party in Congress – possibly along with two relatives (identified in court records only as “S.A.” and “S.H.” (For their sake, let’s hope they didn’t join the riot). 

It was a long way to come, from El Paso, Texas to Washington D.C., and to a fight on January 6. According to the Statement of Facts in his case, in one video from that day: 

DAVID ARREDONDO can be seen grabbing the arm of a police officer who was surrounded by a mob of rioters. A different police officer can be seen being pulled away by the mob and falling to the ground. DAVID ARREDONDO can be seen grabbing the arm of the other police officer who is trying to keep a door to the Capitol shut, and attempting to pull the officer away from the door in an apparent effort to facilitate the entry of other rioters into the Capitol.

 

At least one witness who knows Arredondo identified him (and “S.A.”) in videos from the day of the attack – which placed both inside the building. 

On January 3, 2024, Arredondo pled guilty to all eight counts he faced, including both felonies and misdemeanors. Among other charges, he assaulted multiple police officers that day. 

It turns out, he’s been in prison before, down in Texas, for assault with a deadly weapon, shooting a man in the neck in 1994. Then he shot another main the buttock. Then, while in prison, he attacked another inmate with a deadly weapon, and got four extra years added to his sentence. 

On August 8, 2024, the rioter learns that he will be headed back to prison, not voting for Trump come November. His sentence: 33 months, 36 additional on supervised release, and $2,000. 

Trump supporter, violent.

 

* 

“Whose house?” 

944. JEREMY BAOUCHE: Six days after the riot, the first tip to the F.B.I. came in on Mr. Baouche: 

One of the people who took part in the attempted coup is named JEREMY K. BAOUCHE. He is a University of Connecticut alumni and was seen in various photos inside of the capitol building, which have been attached below. He is currently employed at General Dynamics Electric Boat as an engineer according to LinkedIn.

 

On January 20, 2021, federal agents visited Baouche at work and asked for an interview. He refused (as was his right) until he had an attorney present. He did deny having taken any part in the riot. 

Two days later, his employer provided authorities with a search history related to Baouche’s work computer.

 

In BAOUCHE’s search history there were searches on topics including the inauguration, the U.S. Capitol building layout, guns, rifle scopes, lasers, Trump protests, FBI Capitol, and searches for jobs in the western U.S. It should be noted that BAOUCHE has a secret security clearance as part of his employment.

 

One clue led to a second, a second to a third, a third to a set of handcuffs. Witness 1 said it was widely known that Baouche went to D.C. to see the president. In a social media post Baouche was seen standing next to Roger Stone – which doesn’t prove anything illegal – but does prove Baouche was happy to hang with anti-democratic scuzz bags. Soon, agents located the defendant in videos, inside the Capitol. He was carrying a megaphone, and accompanied by “two unidentified individuals.” 

Sometimes, for fun, he would shout into his megaphone, “Who’s house?” And the rioters would shout in turn, “Our house!” 

In March 2022, Baouche agreed to plead guilty to one misdemeanor, and may get a few days to shout in jail, “Who’s house?” 

The following February, he learns his fate: 30 days behind bars; and still no proof the election was stolen. 

Because it wasn’t. 

Trump supporter.

 

* 

“Belly of the beast.” 

945. JEROD THOMAS BARGAR: At around 2:27 p.m., with rioters already breaking into the Capitol, police noticed a pistol in a holster, carrying the words, “We the People,” had been dropped by someone in the crowd. 

Soon after the riot, a tipster informed federal authorities that Bargar and a friend were posting on social media that they were only ten feet away when Ashli Babbitt was shot inside the building. On January 18, 2021, Bargar was interviewed by the F.B.I., but insisted he had not entered the Capitol, because he knew there was “a line” he should not cross. The gun was eventually traced through a pawn shop, to Bargar’s father-in-law, who admitted he had given it to Jerod. 

When agents interviewed the defendant again, and asked about the pistol, 

BARGAR stated that he wore the firearm in an inside-the-waistband patriot motif holster. BARGAR stated that he is always armed and wanted to be armed when he went to the “belly of the beast” for his own “self-protection.” BARGAR stated that he did not know at the time he travelled to Washington, D.C. that it was illegal to possess a handgun in Washington, D.C. or on Federal property. BARGAR stated that he and his friend stayed at the Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C.

 

Additional evidence began to pile up: Bargar posting on social media, about being in D.C. on the day of the attack.  Bargar in a photo, wearing a “Trump 45” stocking cap. Bargar asking rhetorically in another post, “There’s patriots and traitors, where do you stand?” Finally, Bargar posting on January 6: “#FightForTrump #partiallypeacefulprotest #partofhistory.” 

On June 9, 2023, Bargar joins the growing ranks of Trump supporters bound for jail. He pleads guilty to one felony charge, and awaits sentencing. He could be sentenced to ten years in prison.

 

UPDATE: Well, this blogger was wrong. 

No jail time for Bargar, just six months of home confinement, five years on probation, and $6,000 in fines and restitution. 

Trump supporter.

 

* 

“Still stormed the Capitol.” 

946-947. KATELYN BARTOW and TRAVIS BARTOW: Katelyn Bartow may be the only member of the mob to “out” herself after as a participant after proudly posting on social media, that while other rioters might be causing skull fractures and broken bones, she was picking up trash inside the Capitol. “What the media doesn’t want to show…Picking up trash inside the Capitol after two trash cans were tipped over. And yes, this was moments after the storming of the Capitol,” she wrote. 

When an unimpressed friend noted, “Still stormed the Capitol,” Bartow reported proudly, “Sure did.” 

In a TikTok video, she captioned a scene outside the building, “We will not be silent.” Hashtags on another social media post include: #trump 2020, #riseup, #MAGA, #stopthesteal, #cowgirlsfor trump, and #donaldtrumpisyourpresident, that last being true on Jan. 6, but no longer true two weeks later. 

In yet another post, Ms. Bartow opined, “It is better to die fighting for freedom then [sic] to live as a slave. It is better to die a prisoner fighting for what is right then to die a follower of the enslaver.” 

Her sister, Lisa, noted proudly, in response: 

Katelyn has admitted to federal agents that she was inside the Capitol that day, said she yelled at other protesters who were “confronting officers,” and despite her trash-pickup efforts, she was soon arrested. 

She also mentioned that Travis, who was seen in one of her videos, was her brother. Authorities used cellphone data to place him inside the building, and when interviewed by federal agents, Travis admitted he had been inside – but said that he soon left, after hearing a rioter had been shot and killed. 

To their credit, brother and sister are actually seen in videos picking up trash, and at one point, Katelyn does stand between rioters who are threatening police, and she is seen to yell at…the rioters! 

So, good for her. 

I do hope she and her brother don’t get nailed too badly – even though they were both dunces to fall for all of Donald J. Trump’s lies. 

Two misdemeanor charges each. 

Katelyn pleads guilty to one.

 

UPDATE (7/31/23): Travis has also pled guilty at this time

 

UPDATE (12/5/23): Travis gets one year on probation and has to write a check for $1,242 in fines and restitution. Katelyn garners a similar sentence, probation, $1,613 in fines and restitution, and both Mr. and Mrs. Bartow get 60 hours of community service. 

Trump supporters (both),

believed the election was stolen (Katelyn, for sure).

 

 

* 

948-949. EARL GLOSSER and KRISTINA MALIMON: Glosser and Malimon do not appear to have known each other before showing up on Capitol Hill on January 6. But they must have bonded over shared interests – perhaps the belief that Joe Biden is a cannibalistic pedophile – and when police tried in multiple ways to clear Capitol Hill grounds, later that day, including giving direct warnings to individuals, Glosser and Malimon refused to leave. 

They enjoyed themselves, shouting insults at police and calling them “Nazis.” 

Each defendant has now been convicted, and each will have the pleasure of forking over $500 dollars in fines, completing 100 hours of community service, and spending a year on probation. 

Before joining the riots, Malimon was the chairwoman for the Young Republicans of Oregon. Her social media feed showed her at previous rallies, like the “Million MAGA March,” and posing with such luminaries as Donald Trump Jr., and seven-times pardoned felon, Roger Stone. 

Trump supporter (Malimon). 

(LIKELY TRUMP SUPPORTER – Glosser.)