In a significant development, a Georgia man has been sentenced for his involvement in the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Bruno Joseph Cua, 21, of Milton, Georgia, was found guilty of two felony charges, obstruction of an official proceeding and assaulting law enforcement officers. The defendant participated in breaching the Senate Chamber and opening the doors for numerous other rioters. As a result, Judge Randolph D. Moss sentenced Cua to 12 months and one day in prison, followed by 36 months of supervised release. This case is part of ongoing investigations into the Capitol breach, which has led to over 1,069 arrests across the United States.
Background
On January 6, 2021, a violent breach occurred at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. This event shook the nation and led to criminal investigations and prosecutions of those involved. One such case involved a Georgia man, Bruno Joseph Cua, who was recently sentenced for his actions during the Capitol breach.
Defendant Sentenced for Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach
Bruno Joseph Cua, a 21-year-old resident of Milton, Georgia, was sentenced for his involvement in the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Cua was charged with assaulting a law enforcement officer and obstruction of an official proceeding. The breach disrupted a Joint Session of the U.S. Congress that was convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.
Summary of the Case
Bruno Joseph Cua was found guilty of two felony charges, obstruction of an official proceeding and assaulting, resisting, interfering with, intimidating, opposing, or impeding officers. The trial took place before U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss in February 2023. Cua’s actions on January 6, 2021, led to his conviction and subsequent sentencing.
Sentence Imposed
Following his conviction, Bruno Joseph Cua was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss to 12 months and one day in prison and 36 months of supervised release. This substantial sentence reflects the seriousness of Cua’s offenses and serves as a deterrent to others who might consider engaging in similar unlawful actions.
Charges and Findings
Bruno Joseph Cua was charged with two felony offenses: obstruction of an official proceeding and assaulting, resisting, interfering with, intimidating, opposing, or impeding officers. The court found him guilty of both charges based on the evidence presented during the trial. These charges are significant as they illustrate the severity of Cua’s actions on January 6, 2021, and their impact on the democratic process.
Defendant’s Actions on Jan. 6, 2021
According to the stipulated facts presented during the trial, Bruno Joseph Cua and his parents traveled from Milton, Georgia, to Washington, D.C., on January 5, 2021. The following day, they attended a rally at the Washington Monument before moving toward the U.S. Capitol building. At this point, Cua separated from his parents and climbed the scaffolding on the west side of the building, holding an asp baton.
Cua entered the Capitol through the Upper West Terrace doors, disregarding the presence of United States Capitol Police (USCP) officers who were guarding the door. He proceeded to walk through the Rotunda and up the stairs to the third floor. On the third floor, he yelled inflammatory statements like “This is what happens when you piss off patriots!” and “Where are the swamp rats hiding at?”
Arrival in Washington, D.C.
Bruno Joseph Cua and his parents arrived in Washington, D.C., on January 5, 2021. They had traveled from their home in Milton, Georgia, to attend a rally at the Washington Monument the following day. This rally was part of the lead-up to the momentous events that occurred at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Entry into the U.S. Capitol
Upon arriving at the U.S. Capitol, Bruno Joseph Cua separated from his parents and climbed the scaffolding on the west side of the building. He then proceeded to enter the Capitol through the Upper West Terrace doors, despite the presence of United States Capitol Police officers who were guarding the entrance.
Assault on U.S. Capitol Police Officer
While inside the Capitol, Bruno Joseph Cua encountered on-duty United States Capitol Police officers attempting to lock the doors to the Senate Gallery to prevent further intrusion by the mob. Cua assaulted one of the officers by violently shoving him, which impeded their efforts to secure the area. This act of aggression contributed to the chaos and allowed other rioters to enter the Senate Chamber.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Bruno Joseph Cua serves as a reminder of the serious consequences for participating in unlawful activities that disrupt the democratic process. His actions on January 6, 2021, during the breach of the U.S. Capitol, endangered the safety of law enforcement officers and undermined the functioning of the U.S. Congress. The court’s decision to impose a significant prison sentence sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated. As the investigations and prosecutions related to the January 6 Capitol breach continue, the focus remains on upholding the rule of law and providing justice for all those affected by these events.