An Ohio man has been arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges for his involvement in the Jan. 6 Capitol breach. Adrian Schmidt, 25, of Cincinnati, Ohio, was charged with obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder, as well as several misdemeanor offenses, including entering and remaining in a restricted building, disorderly conduct, and parading in a Capitol building. Court documents and video footage show Schmidt among a crowd of rioters who entered the Capitol grounds, pushed past police officers, and engaged in disruptive behavior. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section, with assistance from various law enforcement agencies. Over 1,069 individuals have been arrested nationwide in connection with the Capitol breach, with investigations still ongoing.
Ohio Man Arrested on Felony and Misdemeanor Charges for Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach
Overview
The breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, remains one of the darkest moments in American history. The actions of the individuals involved disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress, which had convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the presidential election. One of those individuals, Adrian Schmidt, a 25-year-old man from Cincinnati, Ohio, has been arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges for his role in the events of that day.
Charges and Arrest
Schmidt is charged with a felony offense of obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder. In addition to the felony charge, 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. Schmidt was arrested in Cincinnati and made his initial appearance in the Southern District of Ohio.
Video Footage and Evidence
Court documents reveal that Schmidt was present among the crowd of rioters at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Video footage reviewed by federal authorities shows Schmidt among a group of trespassers in a restricted area. He is seen at the front of the crowd, pushing past police officers and the outer fencing as it is knocked down. Schmidt and other members of the mob then push against police officers’ riot shields on the Lower West Terrace. Schmidt is further observed in the footage pushing up against police officers. He entered the Capitol, left briefly, and re-entered through the Upper West Terrace doors.
Prosecution and Investigation
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is prosecuting Schmidt’s case, with assistance from the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. The U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Southern District of Ohio and the Eastern District of Kentucky have also provided valuable assistance. The investigation into the events of January 6, 2021, is being conducted by the FBI’s Cincinnati and Washington Field Offices, with additional support from the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.
Number of Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
In the 30 months since January 6, 2021, over 1,069 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol. Of those individuals, more than 350 have been charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement agencies work tirelessly to identify and apprehend all those responsible for the attack on the Capitol.
Disruption of U.S. Congress Joint Session
The joint session of the U.S. Congress on January 6, 2021, was convened to fulfill the constitutional duty of ascertaining and counting the electoral votes related to the presidential election. This session is a crucial step in the peaceful transfer of power and an essential part of the democratic process. Unfortunately, it was abruptly interrupted by the violent actions of a group of individuals who breached the U.S. Capitol.
Purpose of Joint Session
The purpose of the joint session of the U.S. Congress was to certify the Electoral College results and officially declare the winner of the presidential election. This process is mandated by the Constitution and is an integral part of affirming the will of the American people. The disruptions and chaos caused by the Capitol breach undermined the integrity of this democratic process.
Actions of Adrian Schmidt
Adrian Schmidt, a resident of Cincinnati, Ohio, was among the individuals involved in the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. According to video footage reviewed by federal authorities, Schmidt can be seen among a crowd of rioters on the Capitol grounds. He is observed pushing past police officers and trespassing into restricted areas. Schmidt is also seen pushing against police officers’ riot shields on the Lower West Terrace. He entered the Capitol, left briefly, and re-entered the building through the Upper West Terrace doors.
Felony Offense: Obstruction of Law Enforcement during Civil Disorder
Schmidt is charged with a felony offense of obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder. This charge stems from his actions of pushing past police officers and riot shields during the breach of the U.S. Capitol. Obstructing law enforcement officers during a civil disorder is a serious offense that carries severe penalties under the law.
Misdemeanor Offenses
In addition to the felony charge, Schmidt faces several misdemeanor offenses related to his actions during the Capitol breach. These include 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. Each of these offenses, though less severe than the felony charge, still constitutes a violation of the law.
Initial Appearance and Arrest Location
Schmidt was arrested in Cincinnati, Ohio, and made his initial appearance in the Southern District of Ohio. The initial appearance is a judicial proceeding where the defendant is informed of the charges against them and their rights. It is an important step in the legal process and marks the beginning of the defendant’s journey through the criminal justice system.
Presence at Capitol Grounds
Video footage reviewed by federal authorities confirms Schmidt’s presence among the crowd of rioters on the U.S. Capitol grounds on January 6, 2021. This evidence places Schmidt at the scene of the crime and establishes his involvement in the events that unfolded that day.
Trespassing into Restricted Area
According to court documents, Schmidt trespassed into a restricted area on the U.S. Capitol grounds. Trespassing into restricted areas is a violation of the law and often carries serious consequences. Schmidt’s actions of trespassing added to the overall disruption and chaos of the Capitol breach.
Pushing Past Police Officers and Fencing
Video footage shows Schmidt pushing past police officers and the outer fencing of the U.S. Capitol. This resistance to law enforcement officers amplifies the seriousness of Schmidt’s actions during the breach. Pushing against police officers undermines their ability to maintain order and protect the safety of those present.
Pushing Against Riot Shields
Schmidt, along with other members of the mob, can be seen pushing against police officers’ riot shields on the Lower West Terrace of the Capitol. This aggressive behavior towards law enforcement officers demonstrates a blatant disregard for authority and a willingness to engage in confrontations that further escalated the violence of the Capitol breach.
Entering and Re-entering the Capitol
Court documents reveal that Schmidt entered the U.S. Capitol at approximately 2:15 p.m. and was escorted out of the building at approximately 2:33 p.m. However, he then re-entered the Capitol through the Upper West Terrace doors at approximately 2:45 p.m. This repeated entry into the Capitol indicates Schmidt’s active participation in the events unfolding inside the building.
Prosecuting Office: U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is responsible for prosecuting Schmidt’s case. With its jurisdiction over federal offenses committed in the District of Columbia, the office plays a vital role in ensuring justice is served.
Assistance from U.S. Attorney’s Offices
The U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Southern District of Ohio and the Eastern District of Kentucky have provided valuable assistance in Schmidt’s case. Cooperation among different U.S. Attorney’s Offices is crucial in prosecuting cases that span multiple jurisdictions.
Investigating Agencies: FBI’s Cincinnati and Washington Field Offices
The FBI’s Cincinnati and Washington Field Offices are leading the investigation into the events of January 6, 2021. These offices are responsible for gathering evidence, identifying suspects, and working in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough investigation.
Assistance from U.S. Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department
The U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department have played a critical role in assisting with the investigation. Their expertise, resources, and cooperation are essential to uncovering the truth and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
Total Arrests Since Jan. 6, 2021
In the 30 months since the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, over 1,069 individuals have been arrested for crimes related to the incident. The sheer number of arrests reinforces the determination of law enforcement agencies to bring those responsible to justice.
Charges Related to Assaulting or Impeding Law Enforcement
Of the individuals arrested, more than 350 have been charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement officers. These charges reflect the severity of the violence perpetrated against the brave men and women who were tasked with protecting the U.S. Capitol and its occupants.
Continuing Investigation for Additional Suspects
The investigation into the events of January 6, 2021, is ongoing. Law enforcement agencies continue to work tirelessly to identify and apprehend all those involved in the Capitol breach. This commitment to thorough investigation ensures that no stone is left unturned and that justice is served.
Tip Reporting and Contact Information
Members of the public are encouraged to provide any tips or information they may have regarding the events of January 6, 2021. Tips can be reported by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or by visiting tips.fbi.gov. The public’s assistance is an invaluable asset in aiding law enforcement agencies in their mission to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, the arrest of Adrian Schmidt on felony and misdemeanor charges for his actions during the January 6 Capitol breach is another step towards justice for the events that unfolded on that fateful day. The comprehensive investigation being conducted by various law enforcement agencies highlights the commitment to ensuring that all individuals involved in this attack are held accountable. As the investigation continues, it is important that the public remains vigilant and cooperates with law enforcement authorities to bring a swift resolution to this dark chapter in our nation’s history.