Richard Barnett, a 62-year-old man from Gravette, Arkansas, has been found guilty of felony and misdemeanor charges related to the Capitol Breach on January 6, 2021. Barnett made headlines when he was photographed with his feet on a desk in the offices of former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. Along with his disruptive actions that day, Barnett was also found guilty of obstruction of an official proceeding, entering and remaining in a restricted building with a weapon, and theft of government property, among other charges. He now faces a maximum penalty of 47 years in prison.
Summary
Arkansas Man Found Guilty of Felony and Misdemeanor Charges
Related to Capitol Breach
An Arkansas man, Richard Barnett, has been found guilty of felony and misdemeanor charges related to the January 6, 2021 Capitol Breach. Barnett’s actions, along with others, disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress and have resulted in multiple charges against him. This article will provide an overview of the charges, the arrest and sentencing, the case details, the potential penalty, the ongoing investigation, and information on how to report tips related to the Capitol Breach.
Background
The Capitol Breach refers to the event that took place on January 6, 2021, when a mob of individuals breached the U.S. Capitol building in an attempt to overturn the results of the presidential election. The breach led to widespread vandalism, violence, and the evacuation of lawmakers. The incident was widely condemned and has resulted in a thorough investigation by law enforcement agencies.
Charges and Verdict
Obstruction of an Official Proceeding
Interfering with a Police Officer
Entering and Remaining in a Restricted Building or Grounds
Disorderly and Disruptive Conduct
Entering and Remaining in Certain Rooms
Disorderly Conduct
Theft of Government Property
Parading or Demonstrating
Richard Barnett has been found guilty of multiple charges related to the Capitol Breach. These charges include obstruction of an official proceeding, interfering with a police officer during a civil disorder, entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds with a dangerous or deadly weapon, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds with a dangerous weapon, entering and remaining in certain rooms in a capitol building, disorderly conduct in a capitol building, theft of government property, and parading or demonstrating in a capitol building. Each of these charges carries significant legal penalties.
Arrest and Sentencing
Arrest in Little Rock, Arkansas
Sentencing Hearing Scheduled
Richard Barnett was arrested on January 8, 2021, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Following his arrest, he was transported to the District of Columbia to face charges related to the Capitol Breach. U.S. District Court Judge Christopher R. Cooper has scheduled a sentencing hearing for May 3, 2023, where Barnett’s punishment will be determined.
Case Details
Photographic Evidence
Carrying a Dangerous Weapon
Threatening a Metropolitan Police Officer
The evidence against Richard Barnett includes photographic evidence that shows him with his feet propped up on furniture in the office of former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi. Additionally, Barnett was found to be carrying a Zap Hike ‘N Strike Walking Staff with spike electrodes as he traveled through the Capitol. There is also evidence that he threatened a Metropolitan Police Officer during a face-to-face encounter. Barnett demanded that the officer retrieve his flag, which he had left in Pelosi’s office, and threatened to call in the mob and push through the line of officers if his demands were not met.
Potential Penalty
Maximum Penalty of 47 Years in Prison
Richard Barnett faces a maximum penalty of 47 years in prison for the multiple charges he has been found guilty of. The final sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge, who will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Investigation
U.S. Capitol Police and FBI Involvement
The investigation into the Capitol Breach is being conducted by the U.S. Capitol Police and the FBI’s Little Rock, Arkansas and Washington Field Offices. These law enforcement agencies are working together to gather evidence, identify individuals involved in the breach, and bring charges against those responsible. The investigation is a priority for both agencies and has the full support of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Ongoing Investigation
Over 950 Arrests Made
284 Individuals Charged with Assaulting or Impeding Law Enforcement
Since the Capitol Breach, over 950 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol. Of those arrested, over 284 individuals have been charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement officers. The investigation into the Capitol Breach remains ongoing, and law enforcement agencies are actively seeking to identify and apprehend all those involved in the incident.
Tip Line
1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324)
tips.fbi.gov
If you have any information related to the Capitol Breach or individuals involved in the incident, you are encouraged to report it to law enforcement. The FBI has set up a tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324), and you can also submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov. Your information could be vital in bringing those responsible to justice.
Conclusion
The guilty verdict against Richard Barnett, an Arkansas man involved in the Capitol Breach, highlights the serious consequences individuals may face for their actions during the incident. The charges Barnett has been found guilty of carry significant penalties, including a potential prison sentence of up to 47 years. The ongoing investigation into the Capitol Breach has already resulted in hundreds of arrests and charges, demonstrating the commitment of law enforcement agencies to hold those responsible accountable. If you have any information related to the Capitol Breach, please report it to the FBI tip line to assist in this ongoing investigation.