Robert Gieswein, 26, of Woodland Park, Colorado, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for attacking two law enforcement officers during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Trevor N. McFadden ordered 36 months of supervised release, and restitution of $2,000 to the Architect of the Capitol.
The breach was a disruption of the joint session of Congress to ascertain and count the electoral votes for the 2020 presidential election. According to court documents, on the day of the incident, Gieswein was seen wearing a camouflage paramilitary kit and carrying a baseball bat.
Robert Gieswein Encounters Small Group of Proud Boys
Gieswein had encountered a small group of Proud Boys members in downtown Washington, D.C. and was given a piece of orange duct tape to put on his helmet to identify him as a “friendly”. He marched with the group from the Washington Monument to the Capitol.
Rioters Breach Capitol Grounds
As the mob advanced, Gieswein sprayed an aerosol irritant at three Capitol Police officers and then threw a water bottle at a police line. He marched inside the Capitol with the crowd and sprayed another aerosol substance at two officers. He again sprayed at a group of officers while another rioter was being arrested and attacked officers while they tried to apprehend him. Gieswein entered the Rotunda, joining in pushing against police officers and attempted to punch one.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
In the last 29 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,000 individuals have been arrested in almost all 50 states for their involvement in the Capitol breach. In addition, over 350 people have been charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing, with anyone with tips encouraged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.
The prosecution was handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, with valuable assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of Colorado. The FBI Denver Field Office and the FBI Washington Field Office provided primary investigation, and the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Capitol Police offered valuable assistance.
Commentaires