Alan Hostetter Convicted of Capitol Conspiracy, California, 2023

San Clemente, California resident Alan Hostetter has been convicted on four felony counts related to the January 6th Capitol breach, a bench trial concluded this week. Hostetter wasn’t a lone actor; the feds proved he actively conspired with others to disrupt the certification of the 2020 presidential election and illegally stormed the Capitol building. This conviction is a significant win for federal prosecutors in their ongoing effort to hold accountable those responsible for the attack on American democracy.

The 56-year-old Hostetter faces serious time. The charges – conspiring to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of an official proceeding and aiding and abetting, entering restricted grounds with a weapon, and disorderly conduct with a weapon – carry substantial penalties. Federal prosecutors presented evidence detailing Hostetter’s pre-planned travel from California to Washington D.C., explicitly to participate in the “Stop the Steal” rally and obstruct the electoral vote count. This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision; it was a calculated attempt to subvert the democratic process.

Evidence revealed Hostetter wasn’t just present at the Capitol; he was actively involved in breaching security. Witnesses and video footage placed him pushing through law enforcement lines and entering restricted areas. Disturbingly, Hostetter was carrying a hatchet in a backpack while inside the Capitol. After gaining access to the upper west terrace, Hostetter proclaimed the protesters had “taken back their house,” framing the riot as a patriotic act – a blatant attempt to justify criminal behavior.

Federal investigators didn’t just rely on eyewitness accounts. Hostetter’s own social media posts proved damning. He posted a photo of himself from the upper west terrace to Instagram, glorifying the events of January 6th and drawing parallels to the American Revolution. These posts, far from being retracted or explained away, served as further confirmation of his intent and mindset on that day. The feds built a solid case linking Hostetter’s online rhetoric to his actions on the ground.

The sentencing phase is slated for October 13, 2023. While the exact length of the sentence remains to be determined, Hostetter is likely facing a significant prison term given the severity of the charges and the evidence presented at trial. This conviction sends a clear message: those who conspire to attack the foundations of our government will be held accountable, regardless of their geographic location or political motivations.

The January 6th investigation remains ongoing. While Hostetter’s conviction is a victory for federal prosecutors, hundreds of others involved in the Capitol breach still await trial or sentencing. The feds are continuing to identify, arrest, and prosecute individuals involved in the conspiracy, signaling a long-term commitment to ensuring those responsible for the attack on the Capitol face the consequences of their actions. Grimy Times will continue to provide updates on this developing story.

RELATED: California Man Found Guilty of Conspiracy and Other Charges Related to Jan. 6 Capitol Breach