John Doe, Assaulting Law Enforcement, Columbus OH, 2021

Michael Scott Lockwood, 32, of Southington, Ohio, admitted in federal court on July 24, 2023, to assaulting police officers during the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Lockwood wasn’t there to protest; he was there to fight, actively impeding the certification of the 2020 presidential election. His guilty plea brings him one step closer to facing serious time for his role in the chaos.

The feds say Lockwood didn’t just passively observe the riot. He climbed onto a riser outside the Capitol building and engaged directly with officers attempting to control the surging crowd. Evidence presented included Lockwood’s own boasting on Facebook, sharing selfies from atop the structure as the situation escalated. He bragged about being “on top of the capitol,” then later reported being tear-gassed, proving he remained at the scene as violence unfolded.

But the digital evidence wasn’t enough. Lockwood physically attacked a police officer, grabbing at their baton during a struggle. He managed to wrench the baton away, making contact with the officer’s arm and body before jumping from the riser. It was a deliberate act of aggression, not some accidental bump in the crowd. Lockwood’s confession confirms he knew exactly what he was doing.

This case is one of over 1,069 arrests made in connection with the January 6th breach, spanning nearly every state in the nation. More than 350 individuals have been charged with assaulting or obstructing law enforcement – a stark reminder of the coordinated violence that unfolded that day. Federal prosecutors are relentlessly pursuing these cases, and Lockwood’s guilty plea is another victory in holding those responsible accountable.

Lockwood’s sentencing is scheduled for November 3, 2023, before U.S. District Court Judge Randolph D. Moss. He’s facing a maximum sentence of eight years in prison. While plea deals often result in lighter sentences, the seriousness of assaulting a law enforcement officer carries significant weight. The feds will likely push for a substantial prison term, sending a message that attacking those sworn to protect the Capitol won’t be tolerated.

Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing. The January 6th investigation remains active, with federal authorities vowing to bring all perpetrators to justice. Lockwood’s conviction serves as a warning: even years after the fact, those who stormed the Capitol and attacked the police will face the consequences of their actions.