RI Man Accused of Capitol Assault with Weapon

WASHINGTON D.C. – A Rhode Island man is facing serious charges for allegedly joining the January 6th assault on the U.S. Capitol, and specifically, for violently attacking law enforcement officers with a dangerous weapon. The Department of Justice unsealed a criminal complaint yesterday detailing the alleged actions of Timothy Desjardins, 35, of Providence, Rhode Island.

Desjardins is charged with engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds, civil disorder, and the particularly damning charge of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers with a dangerous weapon. The attack occurred during the chaotic disruption of the joint session of Congress certifying the presidential election results. He is currently in custody in Rhode Island on unrelated charges, with a court date for this case still to be determined.

According to court documents, investigators pieced together the assault using video footage from the Lower West Terrace tunnel area of the Capitol. The footage reportedly shows Desjardins actively assaulting multiple officers at approximately 4:46 p.m. on January 6th, wielding what appears to be a broken leg from a wooden table. The scene was one of intense violence, with a mob of rioters attempting to force their way into the tunnel and throwing objects – including batons and furniture – at the defending officers.

This case isn’t being handled by just one office. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is leading the prosecution, with support from the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island also provided assistance. The FBI’s Boston Field Office (through its Providence Resident Agency) and the Washington Field Office spearheaded the investigation, identifying Desjardins as suspect #348 in their public appeals for information.

The relentless investigation into the January 6th Capitol breach continues to yield arrests. To date, more than 675 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states, with over 210 facing charges related to assaulting or impeding law enforcement. This case highlights the ongoing effort to hold those responsible for the attack accountable. The Metropolitan Police Department and U.S. Capitol Police also contributed to the investigation.

Anyone with information related to the January 6th attack is urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov. It’s crucial to remember that the charges outlined in the criminal complaint are allegations, and Timothy Desjardins, like all defendants, is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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