Capitol Breach: Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Capitol Police on Jan. 6

A Maryland man pleaded guilty on May 23, 2024, to a felony charge as a result of his conduct during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Nicholas Ortt, 43, of Mount Airy, Maryland, faces sentencing on Sept. 23, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Loren L. AliKhan.

According to court documents, Ortt traveled to Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, 2021, to attend the “Stop the Steal” rally and protest the results of the 2020 presidential election. After the rally, Ortt walked with a crowd toward the United States Capitol and, from there, onto the Capitol grounds. Once on Capitol grounds, Ortt entered the restricted area and eventually made his way to the West Plaza of the Capitol.

After entering the restricted area on the Capitol’s west side, Ortt made his way through a mob of rioters until he reached the police line on the West Plaza. At approximately 2:28 p.m., Ortt and other rioters on the north side of the West Plaza breached a police line and forcibly pushed past and assaulted the vastly outnumbered officers. Court documents say that as Ortt attempted to bypass the police line, he forcibly assaulted and struggled with several officers who were attempting to maintain the line.

As Ortt moved through the police line, he fought with multiple officers and grabbed their batons as the officers struggled to avert attacks by other rioters. Court documents say that once he successfully breached the police line, Ortt continued to forcibly assault, oppose, impede, and interfere with the officers, preventing those officers from reinforcing the collapsing line.

The FBI arrested Ortt on March 8, 2024, in Ellicott City, Maryland. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland provided valuable assistance.

The investigation into the Jan. 6 Capitol Breach remains ongoing, with more than 1,424 individuals charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach. Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

Ortt’s guilty plea marks another significant development in the ongoing investigation into the Jan. 6 Capitol Breach. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions on that day.

In a statement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia noted that the guilty plea demonstrates the commitment to holding individuals accountable for their role in the breach. The office stated that it will continue to work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.

Ortt’s sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 23, 2024. As the investigation continues, Grimy Times will provide updates on the case and any further developments.