In a recent development concerning the U.S. Capitol breach on January 6, 2021, a former FBI Supervisory Special Agent has been indicted on felony charges. The indictment, issued by a federal grand jury in the District of Columbia, outlines multiple charges against Jared Wise of Bend, Oregon, including civil disorder and assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers. According to court documents, Wise was captured on U.S. Capitol CCTV and Metropolitan Police Department body-worn camera footage inside the Capitol building, engaging with police officers and displaying inflammatory behavior. Notably, Wise’s previous professional background as a Special Agent and Supervisory Special Agent with the FBI from 2004 to 2017 brings further scrutiny to his alleged involvement in the events that unfolded on January 6. The case is currently being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, with assistance from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon. The FBI’s San Antonio Field Office, along with other law enforcement agencies, is leading the investigation, which has resulted in over 1,000 arrests across the country related to the U.S. Capitol breach. All defendants in this case, including Wise, are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Summary
Indictment of Former FBI Supervisory Special Agent
Charges related to U.S. Capitol Breach
In a significant development related to the U.S. Capitol Breach on January 6, 2021, a former FBI Supervisory Special Agent, Jared Wise, has been indicted on several charges. The indictment, returned by a federal grand jury in the District of Columbia, includes felony charges of civil disorder and assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers, as well as four misdemeanors. The charges are based on Wise’s alleged actions during the breach, which disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress. This article will provide an overview of the U.S. Capitol Breach, detail Jared Wise’s role, and discuss the charges and evidence presented in the indictment.
Background
Overview of the U.S. Capitol Breach
The U.S. Capitol Breach refers to the events that took place on January 6, 2021, when a mob of individuals stormed the U.S. Capitol building in an attempt to disrupt the certification of the electoral votes for the 2020 presidential election.
Role of Jared Wise
Jared Wise, a 49-year-old man from Bend, Oregon, is alleged to have played a significant role in the U.S. Capitol Breach. According to court documents, Wise was captured on footage from U.S. Capitol CCTV and Metropolitan Police Department body-worn cameras inside and on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Wise’s Employment with the FBI
Prior to the events of January 6, 2021, Wise had been employed as a Special Agent and Supervisory Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2004 to 2017. His employment history with the FBI adds another layer of scrutiny to his alleged participation in the U.S. Capitol Breach.
Details of the Indictment
Felony Charges against Jared Wise
The indictment against Jared Wise includes two felony charges: civil disorder and assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers. These charges carry serious consequences, reflecting the severity of Wise’s alleged actions during the U.S. Capitol Breach.
Misdemeanor Charges against Jared Wise
In addition to the felony charges, Wise is also facing four misdemeanors that were contained in the original criminal complaint. These misdemeanors include knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, engaging in disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, uttering loud, threatening, or abusive language, or engaging in disorderly or disruptive conduct in any of the Capitol Buildings, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in any of the Capitol Buildings.
Evidence from CCTV and Body-Worn Cameras
The indictment references footage from U.S. Capitol CCTV and Metropolitan Police Department body-worn cameras to support the allegations against Jared Wise. The footage reportedly shows Wise inside and on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol, as well as his interactions with law enforcement officers.
Interaction with Police Officers
According to the indictment, Jared Wise engaged with police officers during the U.S. Capitol Breach. Body-worn camera footage allegedly captures Wise making derogatory statements towards the officers, including calling them “disgusting” and comparing them to Nazis and the Gestapo. Wise is also reportedly seen encouraging violence against law enforcement officers, shouting phrases like “kill ’em” as assaults continued.
Prosecution and Investigation
Prosecutors and Assistance
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is leading the prosecution against Jared Wise. The case is being prosecuted with assistance from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon. The involvement of these entities underscores the gravity of the charges and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions during the U.S. Capitol Breach.
Investigating Agencies
The FBI’s San Antonio Field Office is leading the investigation into Jared Wise’s alleged involvement in the U.S. Capitol Breach. The Portland and Washington Field Offices, the Metropolitan Police Department, and the U.S. Capitol Police are providing valuable assistance in the investigation. The collaborative effort of these agencies highlights the commitment to thoroughly investigate and gather evidence regarding the events of January 6, 2021.
Scope of the Investigation
Number of Arrests
Since January 6, 2021, over 1,000 individuals have been arrested across almost all 50 states for crimes related to the U.S. Capitol Breach. The high number of arrests demonstrates the extensive scope of the investigation and the determination of law enforcement agencies to hold those responsible accountable.
Charges Related to Assaulting or Impeding Law Enforcement
More than 320 individuals have been charged specifically with assaulting or impeding law enforcement officers during the U.S. Capitol Breach. These charges highlight the targeted violence directed towards law enforcement during the events of January 6, 2021.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the U.S. Capitol Breach remains ongoing. Law enforcement agencies continue to gather evidence, identify individuals involved, and bring them to justice. The commitment to a comprehensive and thorough investigation underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability for those who participated in the breach.
Tips and Reporting
Law enforcement agencies are encouraging the public to come forward with any information or tips relating to the U.S. Capitol Breach. Individuals who have information can call 1-800-CALL-FBI or visit tips.fbi.gov to submit tips anonymously. This outreach aims to facilitate the investigation by leveraging the assistance of the public.
Presumption of Innocence
Indictment as an Allegation
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation and does not imply guilt. Jared Wise, like all defendants, is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Legal Standard for Proving Guilt
To secure a conviction, the prosecution must meet the legal standard of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This high burden of proof ensures that individuals are not wrongfully convicted and underscores the fundamental principles of justice.
Conclusion
Continued Pursuit of Justice
The indictment of former FBI Supervisory Special Agent Jared Wise on felony and misdemeanor charges related to the U.S. Capitol Breach highlights the ongoing efforts to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. The investigation into the breach remains active, with numerous arrests already made and more individuals being charged. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, along with the support of the public through reporting and tips, are crucial in achieving justice and maintaining the integrity of our democracy. As the investigation progresses, the pursuit of justice will continue to be steadfast, ensuring that those who participated in the U.S. Capitol Breach face the consequences of their actions.