In a landmark case, a California man named Alan Hostetter has been found guilty of conspiracy and other charges related to the January 6th Capitol breach. Hostetter, along with other individuals, was convicted of disrupting a joint session of Congress that was held to verify and count the electoral votes for the presidential election. The guilty verdict was delivered following a bench trial, and Hostetter faces sentencing on October 13, 2023. This conviction marks another step in the ongoing efforts to hold individuals accountable for their actions during the Capitol breach, which has resulted in numerous arrests and charges since that fateful day.

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

Defendant Convicted of Engaging in Conspiracy to Disrupt Congress

In a significant development related to the Jan. 6 Capitol breach, a California man named Alan Hostetter has been convicted of engaging in conspiracy to disrupt Congress. Hostetter, 56, of San Clemente, was found guilty of four felonies, including conspiring to obstruct Congress, obstruction of an official proceeding and aiding and abetting, entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon, and disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon.

Background Information

To better understand the charges against Alan Hostetter and the implications of his actions, it is important to have an overview of the events surrounding the Jan. 6 Capitol breach. On that day, a joint session of the U.S. Congress was convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the presidential election. The breach of the Capitol, carried out by a mob of individuals, including Hostetter, disrupted the functioning of the government and had significant consequences.

Charges Against Alan Hostetter

Alan Hostetter is facing four serious felony charges related to his involvement in the Jan. 6 Capitol breach. These charges include conspiring to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of an official proceeding and aiding and abetting, entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon, and disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon. Each charge carries significant penalties upon conviction.

Evidence of Hostetter’s Involvement

The government has presented compelling evidence linking Alan Hostetter to the events of Jan. 6. It has been established that Hostetter was among the rioters who illegally entered the Capitol grounds and building on that day. Leading up to Jan. 6, Hostetter and others coordinated and conspired together to arrange their travel from California to Washington, D.C., in order to attend the Stop the Steal Rally and protest Congress’ certification of the Electoral College.

Coordinated and Conspiracy to Travel to Washington, D.C.

Alan Hostetter’s involvement in the Jan. 6 Capitol breach was not a spontaneous act. It was part of a coordinated effort and conspiracy to disrupt the proceedings in Washington, D.C. Hostetter and his associates engaged in planning and coordination, arranging travel from California, and furthering their objectives of obstructing Congress.

Actions on the Day of the Capitol Breach

On the day of the Capitol breach, Alan Hostetter and other participants assembled in downtown Washington. Hostetter was observed carrying a backpack that contained a hatchet. As the events unfolded, Hostetter joined the rioters on the Capitol grounds, pushing through law enforcement officers and accessing restricted areas. Once on the upper west terrace, Hostetter made a statement proclaiming that the people had taken back their house and referred to the protesters as patriots.

Social Media Posts

Alan Hostetter’s actions on Jan. 6 were further documented through his social media posts. He posted a picture of himself taken from the upper west terrace to an Instagram account that he controlled. In the caption and messages accompanying the post, Hostetter glorified the events of Jan. 6, comparing them to the start of the American Revolution in 1776. These posts provide additional evidence of Hostetter’s involvement and mindset on that day.

Potential Sentencing

Upon conviction, Alan Hostetter faces significant potential sentences for each of the charges brought against him. Conspiring to obstruct an official proceeding and obstruction of an official proceeding and aiding and abetting both carry a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison. Entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon and disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon both carry a statutory maximum of 10 years in prison. The Court will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors in determining the final sentence.

Prosecution and Investigation

The case against Alan Hostetter is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. The support and collaboration of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California have been invaluable throughout the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.

Ongoing Investigation and Arrests

Since the events of Jan. 6, a comprehensive investigation has been underway, resulting in the arrest of numerous individuals involved in the Capitol breach. Over 1,069 individuals have been arrested across nearly all 50 states in connection with crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol. Of those arrested, more than 350 individuals have been charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation into the events of Jan. 6 remains ongoing, and authorities continue to urge individuals with information to come forward and provide tips.

In conclusion, the conviction of Alan Hostetter for engaging in conspiracy to disrupt Congress is a significant step towards accountability for the Jan. 6 Capitol breach. The evidence presented during the trial and the subsequent potential sentencing demonstrate the seriousness of the charges and the commitment to upholding the rule of law. As the investigation continues, it is clear that the legal consequences for those involved will be severe, serving as a deterrent against future acts of violence and subversion.