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. Adrian Schmidt, 25, of Cincinnati, is accused of obstructing law enforcement during civil disorder and committing several misdemeanor offenses, including entering and remaining in a restricted building and disorderly conduct. Court documents and video footage show Schmidt among a crowd of rioters who had trespassed into a restricted area of the Capitol and pushed past police officers and fencing. Schmidt was initially escorted out of the building but returned and re-entered through another entrance later. The 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. The FBI’s Cincinnati and Washington Field Offices, as well as the U.S. Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department, are also involved in the investigation. Over 1,069 individuals have been arrested across the country for crimes related to the Capitol breach, and the investigation is ongoing.
Ohio Man Arrested on Felony and Misdemeanor Charges for Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach
On Jan. 6, 2021, the U.S. Capitol was breached by a mob of individuals, causing chaos and disrupting a joint session of Congress. In the aftermath of this event, law enforcement has been working tirelessly to identify and apprehend those responsible for the breach. One individual who has recently been arrested and charged is Adrian Schmidt, a 25-year-old man from Cincinnati, Ohio. Schmidt now faces felony and misdemeanor charges for his actions on that fateful day.
Charges against Adrian Schmidt
Adrian Schmidt has been charged with a felony offense of obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder. In addition, he faces several misdemeanor charges, including entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or ground, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building. These charges reflect the severity of the actions committed by Schmidt during the Capitol breach.
Arrest and Initial Appearance
Adrian Schmidt was arrested in Cincinnati and subsequently made his initial appearance in the Southern District of Ohio. This arrest marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation into the events of Jan. 6 and sends a message that those who participated in the breach will be held accountable for their actions.
Schmidt’s Presence at the U.S. Capitol
According to video footage reviewed by federal authorities, Adrian Schmidt was present among the crowd of rioters at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. The footage shows Schmidt alongside a group of people who had already trespassed into a restricted area. Schmidt and the others then proceeded to push past police officers and breach the outer fencing of the Capitol.
Schmidt’s Actions on Jan. 6, 2021
Once inside the U.S. Capitol, Adrian Schmidt engaged in aggressive and disruptive behavior. He was observed pushing against police officers’ riot shields on the Lower West Terrace. Schmidt entered the Capitol multiple times, initially at around 2:15 p.m. and then again through the Upper West Terrace doors at approximately 2:45 p.m. These actions demonstrate a deliberate and concerted effort to defy law enforcement and disrupt the proceedings taking place within the Capitol.
Prosecution and Investigation
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is leading the prosecution of Adrian Schmidt. They are being assisted by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Southern District of Ohio and the Eastern District of Kentucky. The investigation into Schmidt’s actions is being conducted by the FBI’s Cincinnati and Washington Field Offices, with valuable assistance from the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.
Number of Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
Since Jan. 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. These arrests demonstrate the significant efforts being made by law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice. Furthermore, more than 350 individuals have been charged specifically with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation into the breach of the U.S. Capitol is ongoing, and law enforcement agencies continue to work tirelessly to identify and apprehend additional individuals involved.
Tips and Contact Information
If you have any information related to the events of Jan. 6, 2021, or the individuals involved, you are encouraged to contact the FBI. Tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or by visiting the website at tips.fbi.gov. Your information could be crucial in aiding ongoing investigations and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
Presumption of Innocence
It is important to remember that Adrian Schmidt, like any other defendant, is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. These charges represent allegations, and Schmidt will have the opportunity to present his case and contest the charges brought against him. The legal process will determine his guilt or innocence, and it is crucial to respect the presumption of innocence until a verdict is reached.
In conclusion, the arrest of Adrian Schmidt highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol breach. The charges against Schmidt reflect the seriousness of his actions during the breach, and it serves as a reminder that those who engage in violence and disrupt the functions of our democracy will be held accountable. The work of law enforcement, in collaboration with the public’s assistance, will continue until all responsible parties are identified and brought to justice.