In a recent development related to the Jan. 6 Capitol breach, a Louisiana man has been arrested and charged with assaulting law enforcement officers during the incident. Ronald Alfred Bryan, 70, of Pollock, Louisiana, now faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges for his involvement in the breach. According to court documents, Bryan was seen in an open-source video using a wooden pallet as protection while moving towards a group of Capitol Police officers defending a landing. He is then seen forcibly taking a USCP officer’s riot shield and charging forward in an attempt to breach the police line. Bryan also bragged about his actions in later recorded videos. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section.
Summary
A Louisiana man has been arrested for assaulting law enforcement officers during the January 6th Capitol breach. Ronald Alfred Bryan, 70, of Pollock, Louisiana, has been charged with felony offenses of civil disorder and assault on a federal officer, as well as five misdemeanor offenses. Bryan was identified through open-source videos in which he was seen using a wooden pallet as protection while advancing towards a group of United States Capitol Police (USCP) officers. He then forcibly took a riot shield from another rioter and charged forward, attempting to breach the police line. Bryan later bragged about his actions in open-source videos. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice’s National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Charges and Arrest Details
Ronald Alfred Bryan, a resident of Pollock, Louisiana, has been arrested for his actions during the January 6th Capitol breach. He faces felony charges of civil disorder and assault on a federal officer, as well as five misdemeanor charges, including theft of government property and disorderly conduct. Bryan was arrested on August 16, 2023, in Pollock and made his initial appearance in the Western District of Louisiana.
Identification of the Suspect through Open-Source Video
Law enforcement authorities identified Ronald Alfred Bryan through open-source video footage of the January 6th Capitol breach. In the video, Bryan is seen using a wooden pallet as protection while ascending the Capitol’s Northwest Steps and moving towards a group of USCP officers defending a landing. He then puts the pallet down near another rioter’s feet and forcibly takes a riot shield from a USCP officer. Bryan charges forward towards the officers, attempting to breach the police line. This video evidence played a crucial role in identifying and apprehending the suspect.
Assault on Law Enforcement Officers
Ronald Alfred Bryan’s actions during the January 6th Capitol breach involved assaulting law enforcement officers. After taking a riot shield, Bryan charged towards the officers, using the shield offensively in an attempt to breach the police line. Another rioter also picked up the wooden pallet and used it to assault the officers. After an unsuccessful attempt to breach the police line on the landing near the Northwest Steps, Bryan climbed through temporary scaffolding and physically assaulted USCP officers. These actions are serious offenses and contribute to the endangerment of law enforcement officers and the disruption of the joint session of Congress.
Bragging about the Assault in Open-Source Videos
Open-source videos recorded on January 6th revealed Ronald Alfred Bryan bragging about his theft of the police shield and his assaults on USCP officers. In one video, Bryan describes how he and others stormed up the steps and boasts about stealing a baton and a shield. He also proudly mentions knocking two officers to the ground and how it took six officers to get him off them. Moreover, Bryan encourages others to assault officers, showing a complete disregard for law enforcement and the consequences of his actions.
Prosecution and Investigation Details
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice’s National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case against Ronald Alfred Bryan. The investigation into his actions is being conducted by the FBI’s New Orleans and Washington Field Offices. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana provided valuable assistance in the arrest of the suspect. The prosecution aims to hold Bryan accountable for his assault on law enforcement officers and his involvement in the Capitol breach.
Number of Arrests Related to the Capitol Breach
Since the January 6th Capitol breach, over 1,106 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the events that unfolded that day. More than 350 individuals have been charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. These arrests demonstrate the ongoing commitment to identifying and holding accountable those responsible for the violence and disruption at the Capitol.
Contact Information for Tips
Anyone with information related to the Capitol breach is encouraged to come forward and provide tips to law enforcement authorities. Tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visiting tips.fbi.gov. Cooperation from the public is crucial in assisting the investigation and ensuring that all individuals involved in the breach are held accountable.
Presumption of Innocence
It is important to remember that Ronald Alfred Bryan, like any other defendant, is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The charges against him are allegations, and it is the role of the prosecution to present evidence and establish his guilt. The criminal justice system upholds the principle of the presumption of innocence, ensuring a fair trial for all individuals accused of crimes.
In conclusion, the arrest of Ronald Alfred Bryan for assaulting law enforcement officers during the January 6th Capitol breach highlights the continued efforts to hold accountable those responsible for the violence and disruption that occurred on that day. The identification of the suspect through open-source videos and his subsequent bragging about the assault aided in the investigation and prosecution of the case. With over 1,106 individuals arrested nationwide, it is evident that law enforcement authorities are committed to bringing justice to all those involved in the Capitol breach. The public’s cooperation and provision of tips play a crucial role in assisting the ongoing investigation.