A Massachusetts man has been arrested and charged with felony and misdemeanor offenses for his actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Michael St. Pierre, 46, of Swansea, Massachusetts, allegedly participated in the riots and is accused of throwing an object at the Capitol doors. He faces charges including civil disorder, destruction of government property, and engaging in physical violence. St. Pierre was arrested in Fall River and will make his initial appearance in the District of Massachusetts. The case is 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 into the events of January 6, 2021, is ongoing, and over 1,069 individuals have been arrested for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol.
Background
Overview of the Jan. 6 Capitol Breach
On January 6, 2021, the U.S. Capitol was breached by a violent mob, disrupting a joint session of Congress that was taking place to count the electoral votes related to the presidential election. This event shocked the nation and led to widespread condemnation of the actions of those involved.
Arrests and Charges Made in Connection with the Capitol Breach
Since the January 6 Capitol breach, law enforcement agencies have been working diligently to identify and apprehend individuals involved in the attack. Over 1,069 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach. These arrests include over 350 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement.
Details of the Arrest
Identity and Location of the Arrested Individual
One such individual who has been arrested in connection with the Capitol breach is Michael St. Pierre, a 46-year-old man from Swansea, Massachusetts. St. Pierre was apprehended today in Fall River.
Felony and Misdemeanor Charges Against the Massachusetts Man
St. Pierre has been charged with a felony offense of civil disorder, as well as several misdemeanor offenses. These misdemeanors include destruction of government property, knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds, and committing an act of physical violence in the Capitol grounds or buildings.
Criminal Complaint Filed in the District of Columbia
The charges against St. Pierre have been outlined in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia. This complaint provides the legal basis for his arrest and details the alleged criminal acts committed by St. Pierre during the Capitol breach.
Initial Appearance in the District of Massachusetts
St. Pierre will make his initial appearance in the District of Massachusetts, where he was arrested. This appearance will mark the beginning of the legal proceedings against him and determine the next steps in his case.
Actions of the Arrested Individual
Traveling from Massachusetts to Washington, D.C.
According to court documents, St. Pierre traveled from his home in Massachusetts to Washington, D.C., specifically to participate in the U.S. Capitol riots on January 6, 2021. His decision to make this journey demonstrates a premeditated intent to engage in illegal activities and disrupt the functioning of the U.S. government.
Statements Made by the Arrested Individual
While walking towards the Capitol grounds, St. Pierre was captured on video making statements that indicated his desire to forcibly enter the Capitol and harm political figures. He can be heard saying, “Hopefully, they’ll bust through, and I’ll join them to rush the Capitol, to grab Nancy Pelosi by the hair.” These statements further establish his intent to engage in violent and criminal behavior.
Throwing an Object at Capitol Doors
Video footage taken from the day of the Capitol breach shows a man, later identified as St. Pierre, throwing an object through the open exterior doors at a set of interior doors of the Capitol building. This act of vandalism contributed to the destruction of government property and the chaotic atmosphere inside the Capitol.
Encouraging Others to Join the Rioters
In addition to his individual actions, St. Pierre is seen in another video encouraging others to join the rioters and enter the Capitol building. Through a megaphone, he is heard saying, “We need everybody, let’s get in the Capitol.” This active participation in inciting further violence and unlawful behavior showcases his role in the events that unfolded on January 6.
Prosecution and Investigation
Prosecuting Office for the District of Columbia
The case against Michael St. Pierre is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. This office will be responsible for presenting the evidence against him, arguing for his guilt, and seeking an appropriate punishment if he is convicted.
Department of Justice’s National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section
The Department of Justice’s National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section is also involved in the prosecution of St. Pierre. This specialized division focuses on cases related to national security and plays a vital role in ensuring the appropriate handling of cases associated with acts of terrorism or related ideologies.
Assistance Provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts has provided valuable assistance in the arrest and subsequent investigation of St. Pierre. Collaboration between different offices and jurisdictions is crucial in cases of this magnitude to ensure a comprehensive approach to justice.
Investigation Conducted by the FBI’s Boston Field Office
The FBI’s Boston Field Office has been leading the investigation into St. Pierre’s actions and involvement in the Capitol breach. Their diligent work in gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and coordinating with other agencies has been instrumental in bringing this case to fruition.
Assistance Provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department
During the investigation and arrest of St. Pierre, the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department provided valuable assistance. These law enforcement agencies played a crucial role in ensuring public safety during the Capitol breach and continue to contribute to ongoing efforts to hold accountable those responsible for the attack.
Number of Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
Total Number of Arrests since Jan. 6, 2021
Since January 6, 2021, over 1,069 individuals have been arrested across the United States in connection with the Capitol breach. This wide-scale response reflects the commitment of law enforcement agencies to identify, apprehend, and hold accountable those who participated in the attack on our democracy.
Charges Related to Assaulting or Impeding Law Enforcement
Of the individuals arrested, over 350 face charges specifically related to assaulting or impeding law enforcement officers. These charges highlight the violent nature of the Capitol breach and the risks faced by law enforcement personnel who were working to protect the Capitol and uphold the rule of law.
Continued Investigation
The investigation into the events of January 6, 2021, remains ongoing. Law enforcement agencies are committed to uncovering the full extent of the planning and coordination behind the attack, as well as identifying any additional individuals involved. The pursuit of justice and accountability will continue until all those responsible have been brought to justice.
How to Report Tips
Hotline Number for Tips
If you have any information related to the Capitol breach or any other criminal activity, you can report it by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). This hotline is staffed 24/7 and allows individuals to provide anonymous tips or information that can assist in ongoing investigations.
Online Tips Submission
Additionally, you can submit tips online through the FBI’s website at tips.fbi.gov. This online platform provides a convenient and secure way for individuals to share any information they may have regarding the Capitol breach or any other criminal activity.
Presumption of Innocence
It is important to remember that, while these arrests have been made, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The criminal justice system affords individuals the right to a fair trial, and it is essential that the principles of due process and the presumption of innocence are upheld throughout the legal process.