In a recent development regarding the Jan. 6 Capitol Breach, an Illinois man has been sentenced for assaulting law enforcement during the event. James McNamara, 61, of Chicago, was sentenced to 12 months in prison and 24 months of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson. He was also ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution. McNamara pleaded guilty to one count of assaulting a federal officer and his actions were found to have disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to determine the electoral votes of the 2020 presidential election. This case highlights the ongoing efforts to bring those responsible for the Capitol Breach to justice.
Background
On January 6, 2021, the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., was breached by a violent mob of supporters of then-President Donald Trump. This unprecedented event shocked the nation and resulted in numerous criminal charges. One individual who was recently sentenced for his actions during the Capitol breach is James McNamara, a 61-year-old man from Chicago, Illinois.
Summary of the case
James McNamara was charged for assaulting law enforcement officers during the January 6 Capitol breach. His actions, along with others, 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. McNamara pleaded guilty to one count of assaulting a federal officer and was sentenced to 12 months in prison, with an additional 24 months of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution.
James McNamara’s sentencing
After pleading guilty to assaulting a federal officer, James McNamara appeared before U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson for sentencing. Judge Jackson handed down a sentence of 12 months in prison, reflecting the seriousness of McNamara’s actions. In addition to his prison term, McNamara was also placed on supervised release for a period of 24 months. This sentencing serves as a reminder that those who participate in violent acts at the Capitol breach will be held accountable for their actions.
Charges against McNamara
James McNamara faced charges for assaulting a federal officer during the January 6 Capitol breach. Court documents revealed that McNamara traveled from his home in Illinois specifically to attend the rally and arrived at the U.S. Capitol on January 6. McNamara was observed lunging at law enforcement officers and swinging his arms with a clenched fist. He also used a bike rack to ram the outer doors of the Capitol multiple times. These actions constituted a direct assault on law enforcement and contributed to the chaotic and dangerous environment of the Capitol breach.
Actions of McNamara and others on January 6, 2021
On January 6, 2021, James McNamara traveled from Illinois to Washington, D.C., to attend a rally in support of then-President Donald Trump. Upon arriving at the U.S. Capitol, McNamara witnessed a crowd attempting to gain access through the closed North doors. As law enforcement officers forcibly removed protestors from the building, McNamara approached the steps leading to the doors and aggressively swung his arms and fist at a Metropolitan Police Department Officer. McNamara then proceeded to use a bike rack to ram the outer set of closed doors, striking them at least four times. McNamara was eventually forced away by law enforcement but not before causing significant damage and chaos during the breach.
Details of the Case
Traveling from Illinois to Washington, D.C.
Court documents revealed that James McNamara traveled from his home in Illinois to Washington, D.C., with the intent to attend a rally that took place on January 6, 2021. This rally, organized by supporters of then-President Donald Trump, attracted thousands of individuals from across the country.
Arrival at the U.S. Capitol
Upon arriving at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, James McNamara witnessed a large crowd attempting to gain access to the building. The Capitol was heavily fortified in anticipation of potential unrest, with numerous barricades and law enforcement personnel present.
Witnessing the crowd attempting to gain access
As McNamara approached the U.S. Capitol, he observed a crowd of protestors attempting to breach the closed North doors. This raised tensions and created a volatile environment, as law enforcement worked to maintain order and protect the safety of individuals both inside and outside the Capitol.
McNamara’s interaction with law enforcement
Court documents revealed that James McNamara engaged in a physical altercation with law enforcement officers at the U.S. Capitol. As protestors were forcibly removed from the building, McNamara aggressively swung his arms and clenched fist at a Metropolitan Police Department Officer, posing a direct threat to the officer and contributing to the chaos of the situation.
Ramming the doors with a bike rack
In addition to his physical altercation with law enforcement, James McNamara used a bike rack to forcefully ram the outer set of closed doors at the U.S. Capitol. McNamara struck the doors at least four times, causing damage to the property and further escalating the dangerous situation during the Capitol breach.
Legal Proceedings
Prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia
The case against James McNamara was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. This office, responsible for enforcing federal criminal laws in the nation’s capital, sought justice for the assault on law enforcement during the Capitol breach. Their efforts resulted in McNamara’s guilty plea and subsequent sentencing.
Assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois provided valuable assistance in the prosecution of James McNamara. Collaboration between these two offices underscores the commitment of the Department of Justice to holding individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their geographic location.
Investigation by the FBI’s Chicago Field Office and Washington Field Office
The FBI’s Chicago Field Office and Washington Field Office played a crucial role in the investigation of James McNamara’s actions during the Capitol breach. These field offices, known for their expertise and resources, conducted a thorough investigation that led to McNamara’s identification as a participant in the events of January 6, 2021.
Number of individuals arrested for crimes related to the Capitol breach
In the 31 months since the Capitol breach on January 6, 2021, over 1,106 individuals have been arrested across nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the event. Among these individuals are more than 350 who have been charged specifically with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. These arrests demonstrate the extensive efforts of law enforcement agencies to identify and apprehend individuals responsible for the violence and unrest at the U.S. Capitol.
Tips and Assistance
Contact information for tips
Anyone with information relating to the Capitol breach or knowledge of individuals involved in criminal activities on January 6, 2021, is encouraged to contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) at 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324). Additionally, tips can be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov.
Role of the FBI, U.S. Capitol Police, and Metropolitan Police Department
The FBI, U.S. Capitol Police, and Metropolitan Police Department played pivotal roles in responding to and investigating the Capitol breach. These law enforcement agencies worked tirelessly to restore order, ensure the safety of individuals present at the Capitol, and gather evidence for subsequent criminal investigations. Through their collaboration and dedication, progress has been made in holding individuals accountable for their actions during this unprecedented event.
Conclusion
In the aftermath of the January 6 Capitol breach, it is essential that individuals who participated in violent acts are held accountable for their actions. James McNamara’s sentencing serves as a reminder that those who assault law enforcement officers and engage in destructive behavior will face legal consequences. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the FBI, highlights the commitment to thoroughly investigate and prosecute individuals involved in criminal activities during the Capitol breach. By ensuring accountability, the justice system can uphold the principles of democracy and protect the safety and security of the nation.