Texas Man Gets Six Counts in Jan. 6 Capitol Assault

Lavon, Texas resident Matthew DaSilva, 51, is facing serious time after being found guilty on six federal charges related to the January 6th, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The bench trial, overseen by U.S. District Judge Carl J. Nichols, confirmed DaSilva’s active participation in the violent assault against law enforcement officers protecting the Capitol building. This isn’t about protesting; it’s about attacking the people sworn to uphold the law.

Federal prosecutors successfully argued that DaSilva wasn’t just *present* at the riot, he was an active participant. The evidence painted a clear picture of a man wielding a flagpole and a large blue flag, willingly joining the chaotic surge toward the Capitol’s West Plaza. The charges include civil disorder, assaulting a federal officer, and multiple counts related to entering and disrupting a restricted building. He was acquitted of one count of disorderly conduct *inside* the Capitol, but the remaining convictions carry significant penalties.

Key to the conviction was CCTV footage from the Capitol Police, meticulously detailing DaSilva’s actions. The footage shows him at approximately 4:20 p.m. participating in a coordinated “heave-ho” maneuver with other rioters, a deliberate attempt to overwhelm and dislodge officers defending the Lower West Terrace tunnel entrance. This wasn’t a spontaneous outburst; it was a planned assault. Later, at 4:33 p.m., DaSilva is seen directly pushing against an officer, making physical contact and actively contributing to the escalating violence.

The feds built their case using multiple sources, including the FBI’s Washington and Dallas Field Offices. DaSilva was initially identified as “BOLO #230” – Be On the Lookout – and investigators received assistance from both the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Capitol Police in piecing together his involvement. The prosecution was handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, with support from the Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section and the Northern District of Texas.

This conviction is part of a massive ongoing investigation. To date, over 1,069 individuals have been arrested in connection with the January 6th breach, and the numbers continue to climb. The feds aren’t letting up, and they’re still actively seeking information. Anyone with tips can submit them to the FBI. This wasn’t a one-off event; it was a coordinated attack, and those responsible will be held accountable.

DaSilva’s sentencing is scheduled for October 12, 2023. While the exact penalty remains to be determined, the charges carry the potential for years behind bars. This case serves as a stark reminder that attacking law enforcement and attempting to obstruct a democratic process carries severe consequences. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing as it unfolds.

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