Josiah Kenyon, a 35-year-old man from Winnemucca, Nevada, has been sentenced to 72 months in prison for assaulting law enforcement officers during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Kenyon pleaded guilty to two felonies – assaulting a law enforcement officer with a dangerous weapon and assaulting a law enforcement officer with a dangerous weapon resulting in bodily injury. He was wearing a “Jack Skellington” costume from the movie “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and was involved in damaging an exterior window of the Capitol. He later assaulted officers in the Lower West Terrace area by throwing objects and striking them with what appeared to be a table leg. This case is part of ongoing investigations into the events surrounding the Capitol breach, with over 1,000 individuals arrested for crimes related to the incident.
Background
Summary of the incident
On January 6, 2021, a breach occurred at the U.S. Capitol, disrupting a joint session of Congress that was in the process of ascertaining and counting the electoral votes related to the presidential election. The breach involved individuals unlawfully entering the Capitol Building and engaging in various illegal activities.
Arrests and charges
One of the individuals involved in the assault on law enforcement officers during the Capitol breach was Josiah Kenyon, a 35-year-old man from Winnemucca, Nevada. Kenyon was arrested on December 1, 2021, in Reno, Nevada, in connection with his actions on January 6. He faced multiple charges related to assaulting law enforcement officers with a dangerous weapon.
Sentencing and Consequences
Length of the sentence
Josiah Kenyon was sentenced to 72 months in prison for his role in assaulting law enforcement officers during the Capitol breach. This substantial prison sentence reflects the seriousness of his offenses and sends a strong message regarding the consequences of such actions.
Supervised release and restitution
In addition to the lengthy prison term, Kenyon was also ordered to serve 36 months of supervised release upon completion of his prison sentence. This supervision will help ensure that he is reintegrated into society in a responsible and law-abiding manner.
Furthermore, Kenyon was ordered to pay $43,315.25 in restitution. This restitution is meant to compensate for the financial damages caused by his actions, including the damage to the exterior window of the Capitol Building.
Impact on the joint session of Congress
The assault on law enforcement officers during the Capitol breach had a significant impact on the joint session of Congress. The disruption caused by Kenyon and others involved in the breach hindered the proceedings and created an environment of chaos and danger. It is essential to hold accountable those responsible for such actions to maintain the integrity of our democratic processes.
Details of the Assault
Location inside the Capitol Building
Josiah Kenyon was illegally in the Capitol Building from approximately 2:53 p.m. until 3:18 p.m. during the January 6 breach. He was located near a Senate Wing door and the Crypt, areas of significant importance within the Capitol.
Damage to the exterior window
While outside the Capitol Building, Josiah Kenyon and others engaged in destructive behavior. They damaged an exterior window, causing more than $40,000 in damage. Kenyon initially attempted to break the window with a closed fist, and when unsuccessful, he used a flagpole to strike and shatter the window.
Assault of officers in the Lower West Terrace area
Between approximately 4:54 p.m. and 5:04 p.m., Kenyon was in the Lower West Terrace area outside the Capitol. During this time, he used various objects to assault officers in the tunnel leading into the Capitol.
Kenyon threw a large plastic pylon towards officers, striking one officer’s riot shield. He also struck officers with what appeared to be a table leg. One officer was hit in the leg, causing pain and swelling to his right ankle. Another officer was struck in the head, with the table leg momentarily lodged between the officer’s helmet and face shield.
Arrest and Investigation
Date and location of arrest
Josiah Kenyon was arrested on December 1, 2021, in Reno, Nevada. The arrest took place following an investigation into his involvement in the January 6 Capitol breach.
Role of law enforcement agencies
Multiple law enforcement agencies played a crucial role in the arrest and investigation of Josiah Kenyon. The FBI Las Vegas Field Office – Reno Resident Agency and the FBI’s Washington Field Office were involved in identifying and apprehending Kenyon. Additionally, valuable assistance was provided by the FBI Los Angeles Field Office – West Covina Resident Agency, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Reno, Nevada, the Metropolitan Police Department, the Metro Transit Police Department, and the U.S. Capitol Police.
Ongoing investigation
The investigation into the events of the January 6 Capitol breach remains ongoing. Law enforcement agencies continue to work diligently to identify and apprehend individuals involved in criminal activities on that day. The cooperation between different agencies, as demonstrated in the arrest of Josiah Kenyon, is crucial for the successful resolution of this investigation.
Prosecution
Involvement of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia played a central role in the prosecution of Josiah Kenyon. They worked diligently to bring forward the charges and secure a guilty plea from Kenyon for assaulting law enforcement officers during the Capitol breach.
Assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada provided valuable assistance in the prosecution of Josiah Kenyon. Collaboration between different U.S. Attorney’s Offices strengthens the resources available to prosecute individuals involved in crimes committed across multiple jurisdictions.
Role of the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section
The Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section played a critical role in the prosecution of Josiah Kenyon. This specialized division focuses on addressing threats to our national security, including domestic terrorism. Their involvement highlights the seriousness with which the government views the events of the January 6 Capitol breach.
Contributing Agencies and Assistance
FBI Las Vegas Field Office – Reno Resident Agency
The FBI Las Vegas Field Office – Reno Resident Agency played a significant role in identifying and apprehending Josiah Kenyon. Their efforts were instrumental in bringing him to justice.
FBI’s Washington Field Office
The FBI’s Washington Field Office also contributed to the investigation and arrest of Josiah Kenyon. Working together with other agencies, they played a crucial role in building the case against him.
FBI Los Angeles Field Office – West Covina Resident Agency
The FBI Los Angeles Field Office – West Covina Resident Agency provided valuable assistance in the investigation. Their collaboration helped uncover evidence and shed light on Kenyon’s actions.
Washoe County Sheriff’s Office
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office in Reno, Nevada, played a supportive role in the investigation. Their assistance helped in locating and apprehending Josiah Kenyon.
Metropolitan Police Department
The Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, D.C., was actively involved in the investigation and arrest of individuals involved in the Capitol breach. Their cooperation with other agencies was crucial in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Metro Transit Police Department
The Metro Transit Police Department, responsible for law enforcement in the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), provided valuable support during the investigation of the Capitol breach. Their collaboration increased the effectiveness of the overall law enforcement effort.
U.S. Capitol Police
The U.S. Capitol Police, tasked with protecting the Capitol complex, played a crucial role in responding to and addressing the breach on January 6. Their efforts in apprehending and holding accountable individuals involved in the assault on law enforcement officers are commendable.
Scope of the Investigation
Arrests and charges related to the U.S. Capitol breach
Since January 6, 2021, more than 1,000 individuals have been arrested across nearly all 50 states in connection with crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol. These arrests encompass a wide range of offenses, including assaulting law enforcement officers, destruction of property, and conspiracy to commit sedition.
Number of individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement
Of the individuals arrested in connection with the Capitol breach, more than 320 have been specifically charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement officers. This highlights the severity of the crimes committed and the focus on holding accountable those who engaged in violent acts against law enforcement.
Ongoing Investigation
Status of the investigation
The investigation into the events of the January 6 Capitol breach remains ongoing. Law enforcement agencies continue to work tirelessly in identifying and apprehending additional individuals involved in criminal activities. The ongoing nature of the investigation emphasizes the commitment to pursuing justice and ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable.
Tips and reporting information
Members of the public who have information relevant to the investigation are encouraged to come forward. Tips can be reported by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or by visiting tips.fbi.gov. The public’s assistance is crucial in aiding law enforcement in their efforts to bring justice to those involved in the Capitol breach.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Josiah Kenyon for assaulting law enforcement officers during the January 6 Capitol breach highlights the serious consequences individuals face when engaging in violent acts against our democratic institutions. The substantial prison sentence, supervised release, and restitution imposed on Kenyon serve as a deterrent to others who may consider similar actions in the future.
The collaboration between various law enforcement agencies in the arrest and prosecution of Kenyon reflects the commitment and dedication of these agencies in ensuring the safety and security of our nation. The ongoing investigation and pursuit of justice demonstrate the steadfast resolve to hold accountable all those responsible for the events of the January 6 Capitol breach.