Barry Saturday, a 43-year-old man from Lexington, Kentucky, has been taken into custody on charges of felony and misdemeanor related to his actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Saturday’s alleged involvement and that of other rioters disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress, which was in progress to determine and count the electoral votes for the presidential election. He is accused of participating in a coordinated “heave-ho” push against law enforcement in the Lower West Terrace tunnel. Saturday was identified in closed-circuit television footage and was seen taking pictures or videos with his cell phone before actively engaging in the push against officers. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky, the FBI’s Louisville and Washington Field Offices, the U.S. Capitol Police, and the Metropolitan Police Department.
Kentucky Man Arrested on Felony and Misdemeanor Charges for Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach
Overview of the Arrest
On January 6, 2021, a violent breach occurred at the U.S. Capitol, disrupting a joint session of Congress. As a result, numerous individuals have been arrested and charged for their involvement in the events that unfolded that day. Among them is Barry Saturday, a 43-year-old man from Lexington, Kentucky. Saturday has been arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges for his actions during the Capitol breach, which include civil disorder, entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building.
Charges and Complaint Against Barry Saturday
Barry Saturday is facing a felony offense of civil disorder, as well as multiple misdemeanor charges related to his actions on January 6. A criminal complaint has been filed against him in the District of Columbia, outlining the details of the charges. The charges against Saturday reflect the seriousness of his involvement in the breach and the impact it had on law enforcement and the functioning of Congress.
Incident Details
According to court documents, Barry Saturday was identified through closed-circuit television footage as being present among the crowd of rioters at the U.S. Capitol building and grounds on January 6. The footage shows Saturday participating in a coordinated “heave-ho” push against a police line in the Lower West Terrace tunnel. At approximately 2:54 p.m., Saturday can be seen approaching the tunnel entrance and advancing through the crowd while capturing pictures or videos with his cell phone.
Role in the Riot
Barry Saturday’s role in the riot is evident from the footage captured on January 6. After entering the tunnel, he is observed moving closer to the police line as the crowd of rioters initiates a coordinated push against the officers. Saturday repeatedly enters and exits the tunnel, actively participating in the “heave-ho” effort alongside other rioters. His actions demonstrate a willingness to confront law enforcement and assist in the disruption caused by the breach.
Presence in the Lower West Terrace tunnel
The footage indicates that Saturday remained in the Lower West Terrace tunnel for a significant duration of time. He remained among the crowd of rioters until approximately 4:15 p.m., leaving and reentering the tunnel multiple times. At around 4:18 p.m., Saturday returned to the mouth of the tunnel and resumed pushing against the police line with other rioters. As law enforcement officers deployed pepper spray, Saturday and the rest of the crowd were forced out of the tunnel entrance.
Assisting Rioters and Confronting Law Enforcement
At approximately 4:26 p.m., Barry Saturday reappeared on the closed-circuit television footage wearing goggles that covered both his eyes. In this footage, it appears that Saturday is assisting other rioters while confronting law enforcement. A violent struggle between law enforcement and the rioters ensued shortly afterward, and Saturday disappears from the camera’s view. Court documents indicate that he remained in the Lower West Terrace tunnel and the surrounding area for at least 1 hour and 36 minutes, actively participating in the disturbance.
Arrest and Initial Appearance
Barry Saturday was arrested in Lexington, Kentucky, and he made his initial appearance in the Eastern District of Kentucky. The arrest signifies a significant step in holding accountable those responsible for the events of January 6. Law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation, including the FBI’s Louisville and Washington Field Offices, worked diligently to identify and apprehend Saturday.
Prosecution and Investigation
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are leading the prosecution of Barry Saturday’s case. The assistance provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky has been invaluable in the ongoing investigation. The involvement of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department, has been instrumental in gathering evidence and ensuring a comprehensive investigation.
Ongoing Investigation and Number of Arrests
The investigation into the events of January 6 and the breach of the U.S. Capitol is ongoing. As of now, more than 1,069 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach. Among these arrests, over 350 individuals have been charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The commitment to holding those responsible accountable remains steadfast, with law enforcement agencies tirelessly working to identify and apprehend individuals involved.
Tips and Contact Information
The public’s assistance has played a vital role in the investigation thus far. Anyone with information related to the events of January 6 or the individuals involved is encouraged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov. Tips and information provided by the public have proven essential in advancing the investigation and bringing individuals to justice. It is important to remember that, at this stage, a complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
In conclusion, the arrest of Barry Saturday underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to hold those responsible for the breach of the U.S. Capitol accountable for their actions. The ongoing investigation and prosecutions serve as a reminder that the rule of law will prevail, and individuals involved in criminal activities will face the full weight of the legal system. The public’s cooperation and assistance in providing tips and information continue to be instrumental in ensuring justice is served.