WASHINGTON D.C. – Another name added to the growing list of those facing justice for the January 6th insurrection. Edward Badalian, 27, of Los Angeles, California, has been formally charged with conspiracy and a slew of related offenses stemming from the breach of the U.S. Capitol. The charges aren’t just about being *at* the Capitol; they’re about planning the chaos, arming up, and actively trying to overturn the election results.
Badalian was indicted alongside Daniel Rodriguez, 39, of Fontana, California, who was initially arrested in March 2021 for allegedly assaulting Metropolitan Police Department Officer Michael Fanone. This superseding indictment now alleges that Rodriguez, and Badalian, were part of a coordinated effort to obstruct the certification of the Electoral College vote. Rodriguez has been held since his initial arrest, and Badalian appeared in court in both California and D.C. following his November 17th arrest.
Federal prosecutors say the pair, along with others, formed a Telegram group – the chillingly named “Patriots 45 MAGA Gang” – in the fall of 2020. This wasn’t just a chatroom for political gripes. The indictment details how the group used the platform to openly advocate violence against anyone who didn’t fall in line with their twisted ideology, including those who supported the 2020 election results, held liberal beliefs, or simply held positions of authority. They weren’t just talking; they were actively preparing for a fight.
The evidence suggests a deliberate plan to bring weapons and tactical gear to Washington D.C. on January 6th. The goal? To storm the Capitol, disrupt the proceedings, and prevent Congress from certifying the election. The indictment alleges they weren’t just rioting; they were actively working to impede a legitimate governmental process and cover their tracks. They allegedly conspired to stop, delay, and hinder Congress’s Certification of the Electoral College Vote as well as to prevent evidence from being used in the investigation of their activities.
This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Justice Department’s National Security Division, with assistance from the Central District of California. The FBI’s Los Angeles and Washington Field Offices are leading the investigation, supported by the Metropolitan Police Department and U.S. Capitol Police. This isn’t an isolated incident; over 675 individuals have been arrested across the country in connection with the Capitol breach, with over 210 charged with assaulting law enforcement officers.
The FBI continues to seek information related to the January 6th attack. Anyone with tips is urged to contact them at 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or submit information online at tips.fbi.gov. It’s crucial to remember that these are allegations, and Badalian and Rodriguez are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. But the evidence is mounting, and the Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it unfolds.
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Related Federal Cases
- California Four Sentenced for Jan 6 Capitol Breach Conspiracy · Washington
- California Woman Charged for Jan. 6 Capitol Breach Mayhem · Washington
- Capitol Breach: California Man Indicted in Jan. 6 Conspiracy · Washington
- Capitol Breach: LA Man Gets Convicted · Washington
- Capitol Taser Attack: California Man Admits Guilt · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Washington DC
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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