In a significant development regarding the Jan. 6 Capitol breach, a Michigan man has pleaded guilty to assaulting law enforcement officers during the incident. Matthew Thomas Krol, 64, from Linden, Michigan, admitted to assaulting police officers with a stolen baton on that fateful day. The breach disrupted a joint session of Congress to certify the electoral votes for the 2020 presidential election. Krol’s guilty plea comes after he traveled from Michigan to attend the “Stop the Steal” rally in Washington, D.C. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 15, 2023. This 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.

Michigan Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Law Enforcement During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss the case of a Michigan man who has recently pleaded guilty to assaulting law enforcement officers during the Capitol breach on January 6, 2021. We will provide a summary of the case, background information on the events leading up to the breach, details of the assault, and the subsequent arrest and investigation. Additionally, we will explore the prosecution process and the role of various agencies in this case. We will also highlight statistics on Capitol breach-related arrests and provide tips and contact information for the public to report any relevant information.

Summary of the Case

The events that unfolded on January 6, 2021, at the United States Capitol were marked by chaos and violence. A joint session of the U.S. Congress was convened to certify the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election. During this session, a Michigan man named Matthew Thomas Krol engaged in actions that disrupted the proceedings and assaulted law enforcement officers. Krol pleaded guilty to one felony count of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers using a dangerous weapon. This case holds significant importance as it demonstrates the consequences faced by individuals who participated in the breach of the U.S. Capitol.

Background Information

The ‘Stop the Steal’ rally, organized in opposition to the election results of the 2020 presidential election, drew individuals from various parts of the country, including Michigan. Krol, motivated by the belief that the election had been stolen, traveled from his home in Michigan to Washington, D.C. to attend the rally. The rally took place in the context of intense political polarization and widespread misinformation regarding the legitimacy of the election outcome. Several groups and individuals, sharing similar sentiments, gathered at the Capitol grounds, exacerbating the tense situation.

The Guilty Plea

Matthew Thomas Krol pleaded guilty to the charge of assaulting law enforcement officers during the Capitol breach. This charge carries severe consequences and highlights the seriousness of his actions. By pleading guilty, Krol acknowledges his responsibility for the assault and the associated legal culpability. This guilty plea strengthens the prosecution’s case and establishes Krol’s involvement in the breach.

Sentencing Schedule

The sentencing for Matthew Thomas Krol is scheduled for December 15, 2023. During the sentencing, the court will consider various factors, including the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors, in determining an appropriate sentence. The potential penalties and repercussions for assaulting law enforcement officers can be severe, and the court will carefully deliberate on the appropriate punishment to be imposed. It is crucial to note that alternatives to imprisonment may also be considered as part of the sentencing process.

Details of the Assault

On January 6, 2021, Krol engaged in a series of violent actions on the Lower West Plaza of the Capitol grounds. After the ‘Stop the Steal’ rally ended, he approached the U.S. Capitol building and, at approximately 2:28 p.m., pushed forward through a crowd of rioters. Krol threw a water bottle at police officers and proceeded to attack the line of officers. During the assault, Krol grappled with a police officer, stole the officer’s baton, and used the baton to strike at least two other officers. These actions caused significant harm and put the lives of law enforcement officers at risk.

Arrest and Investigation

Matthew Thomas Krol was arrested on February 22, 2022, in Linden, Michigan. The arrest was made possible through the collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies, including the FBI Detroit Field Office’s Flint Resident Agency and the FBI’s Washington Field Office. Krol was identified through seeking information photos released by law enforcement, and valuable assistance was provided by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Capitol Police in this process. The arrest and subsequent investigation demonstrate the dedication and commitment of these agencies in holding individuals accountable for their actions.

Prosecution and Assistance

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is handling the prosecution of Matthew Thomas Krol. The Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section is also involved in this case, given its relevance to national security concerns. Collaboration between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan and the prosecuting authorities in the District of Columbia ensures a coordinated and effective approach to the case. The prosecution process will follow established legal procedures to ensure a fair and just outcome. The assistance provided by various agencies, including law enforcement and prosecuting authorities, is instrumental in carrying out a thorough investigation and presenting a strong case against the defendant.

Statistics on Capitol Breach Arrests

In the 31 months since January 6, 2021, over 1,106 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol. More than 350 individuals have been charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement officers during the breach. These statistics highlight the extensive efforts made by law enforcement agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible for the violence and destruction at the Capitol. The ongoing investigations and prosecutions demonstrate the commitment of authorities to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.

Tips and Contact Information

The public’s assistance plays a crucial role in investigations related to the Capitol breach. Anyone with tips or information regarding this case or other Capitol breach-related crimes is encouraged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov. The FBI provides online tip submission for convenience and accessibility. It is essential for individuals to come forward with any relevant information they may have, as it can greatly assist law enforcement in their efforts to bring justice to those involved. The tips provided will be treated with confidentiality, and measures will be in place to protect the identity of tip providers.

In conclusion, the guilty plea of the Michigan man for assaulting law enforcement officers during the Capitol breach is a significant development in the ongoing investigations. This case highlights the consequences faced by individuals involved in the breach and their responsibility for the violence and disruption caused on January 6, 2021. The sentencing process will determine the punishment for his actions, and the court will consider various factors to arrive at an appropriate sentence. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement and prosecuting authorities have played a crucial role in bringing perpetrators to justice. The public’s continued support and provision of tips are invaluable in holding accountable all those responsible for the Capitol breach and ensuring the safety and security of our democratic institutions.