A Florida man, Christian Matthew Manley, has been sentenced for his role in the assault on law enforcement during the January 6th Capitol breach. This breach disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress that was in the process of certifying and counting the electoral votes related to the presidential election. Manley, who pleaded guilty to assaulting, resisting, and impeding law enforcement while using a dangerous weapon, was sentenced to 50 months incarceration, 36 months supervised release, $2000 restitution, and a $100 special assessment fee. The case was 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 assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska. The investigation into the Capitol breach remains ongoing, with over 1,000 individuals arrested nationwide for crimes related to the event.
Background
Overview
On January 6, 2021, the U.S. Capitol was breached during a joint session of the U.S. Congress that was in the process of affirming and counting the electoral votes related to the presidential election. This event caused a significant disruption and resulted in criminal charges for those involved in the breach.
The defendant
One of the individuals involved in the breach was Christian Matthew Manley, a 27-year-old resident of Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Manley was captured on video committing various acts of violence against law enforcement officers during the incident.
The crime
Manley pleaded guilty to assaulting, resisting, and impeding law enforcement while using a dangerous weapon. According to the statements of facts, he was seen on video in the Lower West Terrace of the Capitol wearing a flak jacket and armed with bear spray, a collapsible police baton, and handcuffs. He sprayed bear spray at officers from the U.S. Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department, threw empty bear spray containers at officers, and threw a metal rod at them. He also used force to push a security door against officers defending the Capitol.
Sentencing
Incarceration
Christian Matthew Manley has been sentenced to 50 months of incarceration for his actions during the Capitol breach. This means that he will serve approximately four years and two months in prison.
Supervised release
In addition to the prison term, Manley will also be subject to 36 months of supervised release. This means that after serving his prison sentence, he will be under the supervision of probation officers and will have to adhere to certain conditions and restrictions.
Restitution
Manley has been ordered to pay $2000 in restitution. This amount is meant to compensate the victims of his actions for any damages they incurred as a result of the assault.
Special assessment fee
As part of his sentencing, Manley is required to pay a $100 special assessment fee. This fee is a standard requirement for federal criminal cases and helps to cover the administrative costs of the court system.
Guilty Plea
Date
Christian Matthew Manley entered a guilty plea on November 19, 2021. By pleading guilty, he admitted to the charges brought against him and accepted responsibility for his actions during the Capitol breach.
Charges
Manley pleaded guilty to assaulting, resisting, and impeding law enforcement while using a dangerous weapon. This charge applies to his actions of spraying bear spray at officers, throwing bear spray containers and a metal rod at officers, and using force against a security door.
Incident Details
Location
The incident took place at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Specifically, Christian Matthew Manley was captured on video in the Lower West Terrace of the Capitol.
Weapons used
Manley was armed with several dangerous weapons during the incident. These included bear spray, a collapsible police baton, and handcuffs. He used these weapons to attack and assault law enforcement officers.
Actions taken
According to video evidence and statements of facts, Manley sprayed bear spray at officers, threw bear spray containers and a metal rod at them, and used force to push a security door against officers defending the Capitol. These actions were captured on video and provided evidence for his guilty plea and subsequent sentencing.
Prosecution
U.S. Attorney’s Office
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia prosecuted the case against Christian Matthew Manley. They were responsible for presenting the evidence, negotiating the plea agreement, and advocating for an appropriate sentence.
Department of Justice involvement
The Department of Justice’s National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section also played a role in the prosecution of the case. Their expertise in matters of national security and terrorism-related crimes helped to ensure that the appropriate charges were brought against Manley.
Investigation
FBI’s Birmingham Field Office
The FBI’s Birmingham, Alabama Field Office conducted an investigation into the Capitol breach and played a role in identifying Christian Matthew Manley as one of the individuals involved. Their work in gathering evidence and identifying suspects was crucial to the successful prosecution of the case.
FBI’s Washington Field Office
The FBI’s Washington Field Office also played a significant role in the investigation. They identified Manley as one of the individuals involved in the breach and provided essential support in gathering evidence and building the case against him.
Metropolitan Police Department
The Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C. collaborated with federal law enforcement agencies in investigating the Capitol breach. Their officers were present during the incident and worked alongside U.S. Capitol Police to protect the Capitol and respond to the violence.
FBI’s Anchorage Field Office
The FBI’s Anchorage Field Office provided valuable assistance in the investigation of the Capitol breach. Their involvement helped to gather evidence and identify individuals involved in the incident.
U.S. Capitol Police
The U.S. Capitol Police played a crucial role in responding to the Capitol breach and protecting the Capitol and its occupants. They worked alongside other law enforcement agencies to maintain order and ensure the safety of members of Congress, staff, and visitors.
Ongoing Investigation
Number of arrests
Since the Capitol breach on January 6, 2021, over 1,000 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach. These arrests have been made as part of an ongoing investigation into the events of that day.
Charges related to assaulting or impeding law enforcement
Of the individuals arrested in connection with the Capitol breach, over 320 have been charged specifically with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. This highlights the severity of the crimes committed against law enforcement officers during the breach.
Tips and Reporting
Hotline number
For those with information or tips related to the Capitol breach or the individuals involved, they can call the FBI’s hotline number: 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). This hotline is available to provide information and assist with the ongoing investigation.
Tips website
In addition to the hotline, individuals can also submit tips online through the FBI’s tips website: tips.fbi.gov. This platform allows for anonymous reporting and is another avenue for providing information related to the Capitol breach.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Christian Matthew Manley for his actions during the Capitol breach highlights the ongoing efforts to hold individuals accountable for their involvement in the violence and assault on law enforcement officers. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, along with other law enforcement agencies, continues to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the events of January 6, 2021.
Additional Information
About the U.S. Attorney’s Office
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes within the District of Columbia. They work to ensure that justice is served and public safety is protected through their commitment to fair and impartial prosecutions.
Divisions and Programs
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is divided into several divisions, including the Administrative Division, Appellate Division, Civil Division, Criminal Division, Front Office, Information Technology Division, Special Proceedings Division, Superior Court Division, and Victim Witness Assistance Unit. Each division has its own responsibilities and contributes to the overall work of the office.
Careers and Internship
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia offers career and internship opportunities for individuals interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement or the legal field. These opportunities provide valuable experience and allow individuals to contribute to the mission of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.