An Illinois man has been arrested and is facing felony charges for his involvement in the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Quinn Keen, 35, from Manteno, Illinois, is accused of assaulting law enforcement officers and engaging in civil disorder during the joint session of the U.S. Congress. According to court documents, Keen was among a group of individuals who confronted the Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department officers in an attempt to advance towards the Capitol building. He threw objects at the officers and physically assaulted one of them. Keen also entered the Capitol and remained inside for a period of time. The case is currently 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. The investigation is ongoing, and tips can be reported to the FBI.
Summary
On January 6, 2021, a breach of the U.S. Capitol occurred, leading to a joint session of the U.S. Congress being disrupted. As a result, an Illinois man named Quinn Keen has been arrested on felony charges in relation to his actions during the breach. Keen is accused of assaulting law enforcement officers, engaging in civil disorder, and throwing objects at police. He was taken into custody in Chicago and has made his initial appearance in the Northern District of Illinois. The charges against Keen include assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers; civil disorder; entering and remaining in a restricted building; disorderly conduct and engaging in physical violence; and parading, demonstrating or picketing in the Capitol grounds or buildings.
Background Information
Jan. 6 Capitol Breach
The breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, was a significant event that resulted in a disruption of a joint session of the U.S. Congress. The breach involved a large mass of people advancing towards the Capitol Building, creating a chaotic and dangerous situation.
Defendant’s Actions
Quinn Keen, a resident of Manteno, Illinois, was among the individuals involved in the breach of the Capitol. His actions during the event are the basis for the charges filed against him.
Disruption of Congress
The breach of the Capitol disrupted the joint session of the U.S. Congress that was being held to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the presidential election. The presence of the large group of individuals created a security threat and forced the session to be temporarily suspended.
Charges Filed
Quinn Keen is facing multiple felony charges for his actions during the Capitol breach. These charges include assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers; civil disorder; entering and remaining in a restricted building; disorderly conduct and engaging in physical violence; and parading, demonstrating or picketing in the Capitol grounds or buildings.
Arrest and Initial Appearance
Arrest in Chicago
Quinn Keen was arrested in Chicago in connection with his involvement in the Capitol breach. The arrest was made by law enforcement authorities and Keen was taken into custody without incident.
Appearance in the Northern District of Illinois
After his arrest, Quinn Keen had his initial appearance in the Northern District of Illinois. During this appearance, he was informed of the charges filed against him and the potential consequences he may face if found guilty. This initial appearance is a standard step in the legal process.
Description of Defendant’s Actions
Confrontation with Law Enforcement Officers
During the Capitol breach, Quinn Keen was part of a group of individuals who confronted law enforcement officers. These officers had formed a protective line to prevent further advances towards the Capitol. Keen and others engaged in a confrontation with the officers, leading to a tense situation.
Assaulting Officers
One of the charges filed against Quinn Keen involves assaulting law enforcement officers. During the confrontation, Keen threw objects at the officers, including a metal coffee mug and the contents of a water bottle. Additionally, he kicked and shoved a Metropolitan Police Officer who had moved forward and leaned down.
Entry and Activities in the Capitol Building
Quinn Keen entered the U.S. Capitol through the Upper West Terrace doors and made his way to the Rotunda. He remained in the Capitol Building for a significant amount of time, smoking a substance referred to as a “joint” in a video. Keen’s activities inside the Capitol are part of the evidence against him in the case.
Charges Against the Defendant
Quinn Keen is facing multiple charges for his actions during the Capitol breach. These charges include assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers; civil disorder; entering and remaining in a restricted building; disorderly conduct and engaging in physical violence; and parading, demonstrating or picketing in the Capitol grounds or buildings. Each charge carries its own set of potential consequences if Keen is found guilty.
Prosecution and Investigation
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is responsible for the prosecution of Quinn Keen. They have taken on the case and will present the evidence against Keen in court. The prosecutors will work to ensure that justice is served and that Keen is held accountable for his actions.
Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section
The Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section is also involved in the prosecution of Quinn Keen. This division has expertise in dealing with cases involving national security and terrorism-related offenses. Their involvement in the case highlights the seriousness of the charges against Keen.
Assistance from U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois has provided valuable assistance in the investigation and prosecution of Quinn Keen. Their collaboration with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia ensures that the case is thoroughly evaluated and prosecuted.
FBI’s Chicago Field Office and Washington Field Office
The FBI’s Chicago Field Office and Washington Field Office have played a crucial role in the investigation of Quinn Keen and the Capitol breach. These field offices have been gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and working closely with other law enforcement agencies to build a strong case against Keen.
Cooperation with U.S. Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department
The U.S. Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department have provided valuable cooperation and assistance in the investigation of the Capitol breach. Their expertise and knowledge of the events of that day have been instrumental in building a comprehensive case against individuals like Quinn Keen.
Ongoing Investigation
Number of Arrests since Jan. 6, 2021
Since the events of January 6, 2021, over 1,000 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol. These arrests reflect the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the events of that day.
Charges of Assaulting or Impeding Law Enforcement
More than 320 individuals have been charged specifically with assaulting or impeding law enforcement officers during the Capitol breach. These charges highlight the severity of the actions taken by these individuals and the importance of maintaining law and order.
Tips and Contact Information
The investigation into the Capitol breach remains ongoing, and law enforcement authorities continue to seek information from the public. Anyone with tips or information relevant to the case is encouraged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the public is crucial in identifying and apprehending those involved in criminal activity.
Conclusion
The arrest of Quinn Keen and the charges filed against him highlight the ongoing efforts to hold those responsible for the breach of the U.S. Capitol accountable for their actions. The thorough investigation, collaboration between law enforcement agencies, and cooperation from the public are all integral to ensuring justice is served. The charges against Keen and the many others arrested demonstrate the seriousness with which the events of January 6, 2021, are being treated and the commitment to upholding the rule of law.