In a landmark verdict, an Oregon man has been found guilty of 11 felony and misdemeanor charges related to his involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol breach. Richard L. Harris was convicted after a bench trial before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Nichols of offenses including obstruction of an official proceeding, civil disorder, assault on law enforcement officers, and engaging in physical violence within the Capitol building. Evidence presented during the trial showed that Harris was one of the first individuals to enter the Capitol, where he recorded a selfie video boasting about storming the building and made threatening statements towards politicians. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for Sept. 27, 2023, where the court will consider appropriate penalties. 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.

Table of Contents

Background Information

Summary of the case

In a recent case related to the Capitol breach on January 6, 2021, an Oregon man named Richard L. Harris has been found guilty of multiple felony and misdemeanor charges. Harris, along with others, disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress that was being held to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the presidential election. The case highlights the severity of the actions taken by Harris and others during the Capitol breach.

Overview of the charges

Harris has been found guilty of 11 charges, including obstruction of an official proceeding and aiding and abetting, two counts of civil disorder, two counts of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers, entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, engaging in physical violence in a restrictive building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol Building, act of physical violence in the Capitol grounds or buildings, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building. These charges reflect the seriousness of Harris’ actions and the impact they had on the law enforcement officers and the sanctity of the Capitol building.

Defendant’s Actions

Entering the Capitol

According to evidence presented at trial, Harris was one of the initial individuals who breached the Capitol building on January 6, 2021. Before entering the Capitol, Harris recorded a selfie video in which he boasted about the confrontation with the police, stating, “tear gassed us, front fucking line baby, we’re storming the Capitol.” This video serves as evidence of Harris’ intent and active participation in the events that unfolded that day.

Threatening and assaulting law enforcement

Video surveillance and open-source videos from inside the Capitol building show Harris menacing Capitol Police officers from the front of a large crowd. His actions contributed to the officers moving aside, allowing Harris and the crowd to continue further into the building. Additionally, while in the Rotunda area, Harris was caught on video physically assaulting a Metropolitan Police Department officer by grabbing the officer’s baton and pulling it.

Marching to the Rotunda

After entering the Capitol building, Harris marched to the Rotunda area, where he picked up a landline and made threatening statements. He was recorded saying, “Can I speak to Pelosi? We’re coming, bitch. Oh, Mike Pence? We’re coming for you, too, you fucking traitor.” This behavior demonstrates Harris’ hostility towards elected officials and his willingness to engage in violent rhetoric.

Identifications and arrest

Harris was identified in two widely distributed videos and a photograph from that day. He was seen in media footage standing on a statue of U.S. President Gerald Ford. The FBI received tips from the public that helped identify Harris, and cell phone location evidence placed him in or near the Capitol building on January 6. Harris was arrested on March 18, 2021, in the Southern District of Florida.

Trial and Verdict

Bench trial before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Nichols

The trial of Richard L. Harris took place before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Nichols. A bench trial, where the judge serves as the fact-finder instead of a jury, was conducted. This allowed for a more streamlined and efficient process in considering the evidence and reaching a verdict.

Guilty verdict on all charges

After the bench trial, Judge Nichols found Harris guilty on all 11 charges that were brought against him. This verdict reflects the judge’s assessment of the evidence presented during the trial and the gravity of Harris’ actions.

Charges and Penalties

Obstruction of an official proceeding and aiding and abetting

Harris has been charged with obstruction of an official proceeding and aiding and abetting. This charge is serious as it undermines the functioning of the democratic process and obstructs the lawful duties of elected officials.

Civil disorder

The charge of civil disorder highlights the disruptive and violent behavior displayed by Harris during the Capitol breach. It signifies the chaos and disturbance caused by the actions of individuals involved in the breach.

Assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers

Harris has been charged with assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers. This charge emphasizes the physical aggression towards law enforcement officers who were tasked with maintaining order and protecting the Capitol building and its occupants.

Entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds

The charge of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds represents the unlawful intrusion into a secured area. It underscores the violation of security protocols and the disregard for lawful boundaries.

Disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds

Harris is also facing charges of disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds. This charge highlights the disruptive actions taken by Harris that disrupted the normal functioning and peaceful environment of the Capitol building.

Engaging in physical violence in a restrictive building or grounds

The charge of engaging in physical violence in a restrictive building or grounds signifies Harris’ participation in violent behavior within the Capitol building. It denotes the direct harm caused to others during the breach.

Disorderly conduct in a Capitol Building

Harris has been charged with disorderly conduct in a Capitol Building. This charge emphasizes the disorderly conduct displayed by Harris that disrupted the functioning of the Capitol building and its occupants.

Act of physical violence in the Capitol grounds or buildings

The charge of an act of physical violence in the Capitol grounds or buildings reflects Harris’ engagement in violent behavior within the vicinity of the Capitol. It highlights the harm caused to property and individuals during the breach.

Parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building

Harris is also facing charges of parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building. This charge indicates Harris’ active participation in activities that disrupted the normal operations and peaceful environment of the Capitol building.

Evidence Presented at Trial

Selfie video boasting about storming the Capitol

One significant piece of evidence presented at trial was a selfie video recorded by Harris before he entered the Capitol building. In this video, Harris can be seen boasting about the confrontation with the police and expressing his intent to storm the Capitol. This video served as important evidence of Harris’ active participation in the events that unfolded that day.

Video surveillance and open-source video footage

Video surveillance and open-source video footage from inside the Capitol building were also presented as evidence during the trial. These videos showed Harris menacing Capitol Police officers and engaging in physical violence. The footage provided a clear visual record of Harris’ actions and their impact on law enforcement officers.

Identification through widely distributed media

Harris’ identification was facilitated through widely distributed media. He was seen in videos and a photograph from the day of the Capitol breach. The media coverage of the event helped in identifying Harris and establishing his presence at the Capitol building.

Cell phone location evidence

Cell phone location evidence played a crucial role in establishing Harris’ presence at or near the Capitol building on January 6, 2021. This evidence provided additional support to the other forms of evidence presented at trial.

Sentencing and Determination

Sentencing scheduled for Sept. 27, 2023

Richard L. Harris is scheduled to be sentenced on September 27, 2023. The sentencing will be conducted by a federal court judge, who will consider all relevant factors and the U.S. Sentencing guidelines in determining the appropriate punishment for Harris. The exact extent of the penalties will be determined during the sentencing process.

Factors considered in determining the appropriate sentence

When determining the appropriate sentence, the federal court judge will consider various factors, including the nature and severity of the charges, the impact of Harris’ actions on the victims and the community, any prior criminal history, and the defendant’s level of remorse or cooperation. These considerations will help guide the judge in determining a fair and just sentence for Harris.

Prosecution and Investigation

U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia

The case against Richard L. Harris was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. This office is responsible for representing the federal government in litigation and prosecuting federal crimes that occur within its jurisdiction.

Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section

The Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section also played a key role in prosecuting the case against Harris. This section focuses on preventing and prosecuting individuals involved in terrorism-related activities, both domestically and internationally.

Assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida provided valuable assistance in the prosecution of Richard L. Harris. Collaboration between different U.S. Attorney’s Offices is crucial in ensuring the effective prosecution of individuals involved in complex and wide-reaching criminal cases.

Investigation by the FBI’s Portland and Washington Field Offices

The FBI’s Portland and Washington Field Offices conducted the investigation into the actions of Richard L. Harris and his involvement in the Capitol breach. These field offices are responsible for investigating federal crimes and gathering evidence to support the prosecution of individuals involved in criminal activities.

Assistance from the FBI Miami Field Office, U.S. Capitol Police, and Metropolitan Police Department

The FBI’s Miami Field Office, along with the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department, provided valuable assistance during the investigation into Harris’ actions. Collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies are essential in gathering evidence and building a strong case against individuals involved in criminal activities.

Extent of Capitol Breach Investigations

Over 1,000 individuals charged in nearly all 50 states

In the aftermath of the Capitol breach, investigations have been conducted throughout the country to identify and charge individuals involved in the events of January 6, 2021. To date, over 1,000 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states. These charges reflect the commitment of law enforcement agencies to hold accountable those responsible for the breach.

Approximately 350 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement

Among the individuals charged in connection with the Capitol breach, approximately 350 individuals have been charged specifically with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. These charges highlight the significance of protecting law enforcement officers and ensuring the safety and security of public officials.

Ongoing investigation

The investigation into the Capitol breach remains ongoing, as law enforcement agencies continue to identify and apprehend individuals involved in the events of January 6, 2021. The commitment to thoroughly investigate and prosecute those responsible for the breach demonstrates the determination to uphold the rule of law.

Contact Information for Tips

1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324)

For individuals with information or tips related to the Capitol breach or any criminal activities associated with it, they can contact the FBI through the dedicated hotline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324). This hotline serves as a way for the public to contribute to the ongoing investigations.

tips.fbi.gov

Additionally, tips can be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov. This platform allows individuals to provide information anonymously if desired, and it serves as another avenue for the public to share relevant information with law enforcement.

Conclusion

Summary of the case and upcoming sentencing

In the case of Richard L. Harris, the recent guilty verdict on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges related to the Capitol breach highlights the seriousness of the offenses committed that day. Harris’ actions, alongside other individuals involved, disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress and posed a threat to the safety of elected officials and law enforcement officers.

Harris is scheduled to be sentenced on September 27, 2023, where a federal court judge will consider the appropriate punishment for his crimes. The upcoming sentencing will provide an opportunity for justice to be served and for the judge to address the severity of Harris’ actions.

Importance of addressing crimes related to the Capitol breach

The case of Richard L. Harris underscores the importance of addressing crimes related to the Capitol breach. The breach itself was an attack on the democratic process and the institutions that uphold it. Holding individuals accountable is crucial in maintaining the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of elected officials, law enforcement officers, and the general public.

Law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI, are committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals involved in the Capitol breach. The ongoing investigations demonstrate the determination to bring all responsible parties to justice and prevent similar incidents in the future. It is imperative that crimes related to the Capitol breach are addressed to uphold the principles of democracy and maintain the trust of the American people.

By Jesse Hull

I'm Jesse Hull, a retired Infantry Paratrooper and Outdoor Studies Major at Alaska Pacific University - and I am the mind behind Grimy Times - your portal to the darkest, grittiest news stories spanning the globe. With a tagline like "Grimiest News From Around The World!" you can expect no less. I bring you the most unearthed stories, guaranteeing authenticity without sugarcoating. From shadowy urban alleys to the most remote corners of our planet, my coverage knows no bounds.