Westport, CT resident Benjamin Cohen, 21, is cooling his heels in a federal holding cell after being charged with multiple felonies for his role in the January 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol. Cohen isn’t accused of just being *present* during the chaos – the feds say he actively engaged in violent attacks against police officers defending the building.
According to court documents, Cohen faces charges of civil disorder and assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers – both serious felony offenses. He’s also slapped with a slew of misdemeanor charges including entering a restricted area, disorderly conduct, and engaging in physical violence on Capitol grounds. The arrest comes as the ongoing investigation into the riot continues to yield results, with over 1,100 individuals now facing charges.
Investigators identified Cohen through open-source video and bodycam footage showing him breaching police lines on the West Plaza and physically confronting officers. Witnesses and video evidence depict Cohen shoving and striking cops as the mob surged forward. Witnesses also report hearing Cohen yell “Our House!” as he participated in the chaos. The feds say Cohen wasn’t a bystander; he was a participant.
The most damning evidence places Cohen in the Lower West Terrace tunnel, a key battleground between rioters and law enforcement. He joined a coordinated “heave-ho” effort, actively pushing against the police line alongside other rioters. Video clearly shows Cohen using his body weight and force to attempt to overwhelm officers, contributing to the brutal and sustained assault. This wasn’t just a spontaneous outburst; it was a calculated attempt to breach security.
But Cohen didn’t stop at assaulting officers. After forcing his way partially inside, he was photographed inside an office near a broken window, apparently rinsing his eyes after a clash with the police. The photo, taken shortly after the assault, confirms his presence *inside* the Capitol building. This is a crucial piece of evidence for federal prosecutors building their case.
The case 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, with the FBI’s New Haven and Washington Field Offices leading the investigation. The U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department provided crucial assistance. Cohen’s arrest is a stark reminder that the feds are still actively pursuing those responsible for the January 6th insurrection, and accountability is coming – even years later.
Related Federal Cases
- Conn. Man Cohen Admits to Capitol Assault · Washington
- Capitol Rioter Nabbed: Stolen Shield & Tunnel Brawl · Washington
- Capitol Rioter Nabbed: Shield-Snatching Senior · Washington
- Capitol Rioter Gets a Year for Attacking Cops · Illinois
- KY Man Admits Assaulting Cops at Jan. 6 Capitol Riot · Kentucky
Key Facts
- Category: Violent Crime
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