Nightmare on Capitol Hill: 6 Years for Jan. 6 Attacker

Josiah Kenyon, 35, of Winnemucca, Nevada, will spend the next six years in federal prison after pleading guilty to two felony counts of assaulting law enforcement officers during the January 6, 2021, Capitol breach. Kenyon wasn’t just present at the riot; he actively engaged in violence, throwing objects and wielding what appeared to be a table leg against officers defending the Capitol.

The feds say Kenyon wasn’t exactly blending in. Sporting a “Jack Skellington” costume from The Nightmare Before Christmas, he initially focused on property damage, helping to shatter an exterior window of the Capitol building. The damage exceeded $40,000, and Kenyon reportedly used both his fists and a flagpole to complete the destruction before turning his attention to attacking the officers.

According to court documents, Kenyon was inside the Capitol Building for roughly 25 minutes, moving through sensitive areas like the Senate Wing door and the Crypt. He then moved to the Lower West Terrace, where the most violent clashes between rioters and police occurred. It was here that Kenyon launched his assault, throwing debris and striking officers with the makeshift weapon. The entire scene was captured on bodycam footage and open-source video, providing crucial evidence for the investigation.

Kenyon’s plea wasn’t just about the assault. He admitted to contributing to the disruption of a joint session of Congress, a blatant attack on the peaceful transfer of power. Federal prosecutors successfully argued for a substantial sentence, emphasizing the severity of his actions and the need to deter others from similar behavior. Beyond the 72-month prison term, Kenyon will face 36 months of supervised release and is ordered to pay $43,315.25 in restitution to cover the damage he helped cause.

The investigation into the January 6th attack remains ongoing, with over 1,000 individuals already arrested on various charges. Kenyon’s case was a collaborative effort, involving the FBI’s Las Vegas, Reno, and Los Angeles field offices, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, and multiple police departments in the Washington D.C. area. The feds are still actively seeking tips and information related to the riot, indicating that more arrests are likely to come.

This sentencing, while significant, is just one piece of a massive investigation. The feds are determined to hold all those responsible for the January 6th insurrection accountable, regardless of their location or the costume they may have been wearing. Kenyon’s six-year sentence sends a clear message: attacking law enforcement and attempting to subvert the democratic process will carry serious consequences.