NC ‘Proud Boy’ Jay Thaxton Faces Felony Obstruction Charges in Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

WASHINGTON — In a stunning turn of events following the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol breach, Jay Robert Thaxton, a 49-year-old from Concord, North Carolina, has been arrested and charged with felony obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder.

The charges come as the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section have leveled serious allegations against Thaxton. He is also accused of four misdemeanors: entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building or grounds, and obstructing or impeding passage in a Capitol building or grounds.

Thaxton’s alleged role in the Capitol breach was outlined in court documents, which detail his participation as a member of the Proud Boys. On January 6, 2021, Thaxton is said to have joined other members of the organization at the National Mall for a march that culminated in their advance toward the U.S. Capitol building.

Footage from the day reveals Thaxton advancing into the Lower West Plaza as rioters breached the outer fencing of Capitol grounds. He allegedly participated in efforts to breach police lines by interacting with bike racks set up as temporary barricades, contributing to the ultimate breach of the line on the Lower West Plaza.

Thaxton was subsequently arrested in Washington, D.C., that night for violating a curfew order. His case is being prosecuted by federal authorities and investigated by both the FBI’s Charlotte and Washington Field Offices, alongside support from the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

Since the breach of the Capitol on January 6, 2021, over 1,424 individuals have faced charges in connection with the incident, including more than 500 who have been charged with felonies for assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation continues to unfold, with calls for tips being directed to 1-800-CALL-FBI.