An Ohio man has been arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges for his involvement in the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Dean Robert Harshman, 36, of Waynesville, Ohio, is accused of obstructing an official proceeding and several other offenses. According to court documents, Harshman attended the “Stop the Steal” rally in Washington, D.C., and proceeded to the Capitol building where he recorded his actions on his cell phone. He was heard shouting slogans and entered and filmed inside an office within the Capitol before exiting the building. 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, with valuable assistance provided by the U.S. Capitol Police, the Metropolitan Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio. Over 1,069 individuals have been arrested in connection with the Capitol breach, and the investigation is ongoing.
Summary of Arrested Individual
An individual named Dean Robert Harshman, a 36-year-old resident of Waynesville, Ohio, has been arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges for his involvement in the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Harshman’s actions, along with those of others, disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress that was being held to certify the electoral votes for the presidential election. He has been charged with obstruction or impeding an official proceeding, as well as several other misdemeanor offenses, including entering restricted grounds without authority, engaging in disorderly conduct, and parading in a Capitol building. Harshman was arrested in Waynesville and has made his initial appearance in the Southern District of Ohio.
Description of Actions During Capitol Breach
Travel to Washington, D.C.
According to court documents, Dean Robert Harshman traveled to Washington, D.C. on January 6, 2021, to attend the “Stop the Steal” rally. This rally was held to protest the results of the presidential election.
Recording of Actions on Cell Phone
During the events of January 6, Harshman recorded much of his actions on his cell phone. In one video, as rioters approached the Capitol building, Harshman can be heard shouting statements such as “This is the stuff they ain’t gonna show you on TV!” and “We’re taking our House back!”
Shouting and Statements Made
As the rioters advanced past security barriers near the Peace Circle area and the Pennsylvania Walkway towards the Capitol building, Harshman was heard shouting statements that indicated his support for the breach and his intentions to reclaim the Capitol.
Interaction with Police Officers
Once inside the Capitol grounds, Harshman stood near a line of police officers on the Upper West Plaza and conversed with other rioters about the presence of law enforcement and the need to push past the officers.
Entry into Capitol Building
Harshman then entered the Capitol building through the broken Senate Wing door. He proceeded to walk through the building, eventually making his way to the Crypt.
Filming Inside Office
During his time in the Capitol, Harshman entered and filmed inside an office near the Crypt. The content of the video footage is unclear.
Exit from Capitol Building
After spending approximately 15 minutes inside the Capitol, Harshman exited the building through the Senate Wing Door at around 2:35 p.m.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation
Prosecution of the Case
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is handling the prosecution of Dean Robert Harshman’s case. He is facing felony and misdemeanor charges related to his actions during the Capitol breach.
Assistance from Other Offices
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio has provided valuable assistance in the investigation and prosecution of Harshman’s case.
Investigating Agencies
The FBI’s Cincinnati and Washington Field Offices have been involved in the investigation of the Capitol breach and Harshman’s actions. Additionally, the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department have provided valuable assistance.
Number of Arrests Since Jan. 6, 2021
Since the events of January 6, 2021, over 1,069 individuals have been arrested across nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol. Among these individuals, more than 350 have been charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the Capitol breach and the actions of individuals involved remains ongoing. Law enforcement agencies are actively working to identify and hold accountable all individuals responsible for their unlawful actions on January 6, 2021.
How to Provide Tips or Information
Contact Information for Reporting Tips
If you have any information or tips related to the Capitol breach or the actions of individuals involved, you can report it by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or by visiting tips.fbi.gov.
Presumption of Innocence
It is important to remember that a complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants, including Dean Robert Harshman, are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The legal process will determine the outcome of the case, and individuals are entitled to a fair trial.