Protesters who entered the Capitol Building during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot can face charges and convictions for disorderly conduct, even if their behavior was not particularly disruptive, ruled a federal court on Friday.
D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Karen LeCraft Henderson upheld the conviction of Russell Alford, a Capitol intruder during the riot, stating that nonviolent and passive conduct could still be considered disorderly.
'Passive' Jan. 6 rioters can be convicted of disorderly conduct, federal court rules https://t.co/5g4WiCR5e4 https://t.co/5g4WiCR5e4
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) January 6, 2024
“The trial evidence indicated that, during Alford’s brief time within the Capitol, he was neither violent nor destructive,” wrote Henderson.
“Nevertheless, we affirm his convictions because a jury could rationally find that his unauthorized presence in the Capitol as part of an unruly mob contributed to the disruption of the Congress’s electoral certification and jeopardized public safety," she added.
Alford sought to overturn his conviction, arguing that he had not engaged in violent or destructive actions.
Despite his nonviolent conduct, Alford was convicted of four misdemeanors related to the riot and sentenced to one year in prison.
The court also determined that the lower district court did not exceed its authority by sentencing Alford to one year, as it aligned with the lower end of the sentencing guidelines.
This decision came a day before the third anniversary of the riot, which has led to over 1,200 individuals facing federal crime charges.
The Justice Department continues its pursuit of at least 80 suspects and the individual responsible for placing pipe bombs outside the Democratic National Committee and Republican National Committee headquarters.
Attorney General Merrick Garland affirmed on Friday, “The Justice Department will hold all Jan. 6 perpetrators at any level accountable under the law, whether they were present that day or otherwise criminally responsible for the assault on our democracy.”
Prosecutors are actively seeking a minimum of 80 individuals linked to the January 6 attack on the Capitol and are intensively investigating the person responsible for placing pipe bombs at the offices of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and Republican National Committee (RNC). The FBI has announced a $500,000 reward for information leading to the identification and apprehension of the individual behind the pipe bombs.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Matthew Graves, emphasized the importance of upholding the democratic process. These efforts underscore the ongoing commitment to holding those involved in the January 6 events accountable for their actions.
President Biden, in his inaugural campaign speech of the year on Friday, referenced the Jan. 6 attack, blaming former President Donald Trump and other Republicans for inciting violence related to the Capitol riot.
