In a recent development related to the events of January 6, 2021, a 63-year-old man from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, has been arrested for assaulting law enforcement officers during the Capitol breach. Lowell Gates is facing felony and misdemeanor charges, including assaulting officers with a deadly or dangerous weapon. The defendant’s actions disrupted the joint session of the U.S. Congress and hindered the process of counting electoral votes. Video footage shows Gates using a flagpole to strike at a group of officers in a violent and aggressive manner. Gates will make his initial appearance in the Middle District of Pennsylvania after his arrest in Harrisburg. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, with assistance from the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Furthermore, the FBI’s Philadelphia and Washington Field Offices, along with the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department, are involved in the investigation. Over the span of 31 months since the Capitol breach, more than 1,106 individuals have been arrested across the country for crimes associated with the incident, including over 350 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement.
Background
On January 6, 2021, a significant and unprecedented event took place at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. The breach of the Capitol building by a group of individuals caused chaos and disrupted the process of counting the electoral votes related to the presidential election. Among the individuals involved in this breach was Lowell Gates, a 63-year-old man from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Gates has since been arrested and is facing multiple charges for his actions during the breach.
Arrest and Charges
Gates is facing both felony and misdemeanor charges for his involvement in the Capitol breach. The felony charges against him include assaulting law enforcement with a deadly or dangerous weapon and obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder. These charges highlight the severity of his actions on that day. In addition to the felonies, Gates is also charged with several misdemeanors, including entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building or grounds, and violent conduct in a Capitol building or grounds.
Timeline of Events
Before the breach of the Capitol, Gates traveled to Washington, D.C., on January 6, 2021, with a group of friends. They attended a rally at the Ellipse, where Gates was present. After the rally, Gates proceeded to walk towards the U.S. Capitol building on Pennsylvania Avenue. He approached the restricted grounds of the West Plaza, where video footage shows him using a cell phone to document the riot.
According to court documents, at approximately 2:29 p.m., Gates can be seen on body-worn camera footage throwing an object at a group of law enforcement officers before assaulting them with a flagpole. The video footage shows Gates using the flagpole in a spear-like motion, lunging at the officers and striking them at least three times. These actions demonstrate the aggressive and violent behavior exhibited by Gates during the breach.
Video Evidence
The investigation into Gates’ actions on January 6, 2021, has been aided by video evidence captured at the scene. One piece of evidence is cell phone footage that shows Gates in the West Plaza, using his cell phone to photograph and/or record the events of the riot. This footage provides a visual record of Gates’ presence and activities during the breach.
Additionally, body-worn camera footage from a law enforcement officer captures Gates’ assault on the officers. The video clearly shows Gates throwing an object at the officers before using a flagpole to strike at them. This evidence is crucial in establishing the severity of Gates’ actions and determining the appropriate charges against him.
Prosecution and Investigation
The prosecution of Lowell Gates is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, along with the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has also provided valuable assistance in this case. These agencies are working together to ensure a thorough and comprehensive prosecution of Gates for his crimes during the Capitol breach.
The investigation into Gates’ actions is being conducted by the FBI’s Philadelphia and Washington Field Offices. The U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department have also played a significant role in assisting with the investigation. The collaboration between these law enforcement agencies is crucial in gathering evidence, identifying individuals involved in the breach, and holding them accountable for their actions.
Jan. 6 Capitol Breach Statistics
Since the events of January 6, 2021, more than 1,106 individuals have been arrested across nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol. Among the arrests, over 350 individuals have been charged specifically with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. These statistics highlight the magnitude and widespread impact of the breach, as well as the ongoing efforts to identify and prosecute those responsible.
Tips and Contact Information
If you have any information related to the Capitol breach or the individuals involved, you can contact the FBI through their tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). Alternatively, you can submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov. Your information and cooperation are crucial in helping law enforcement agencies bring those responsible to justice.
Presumption of Innocence
It is essential to note that Lowell Gates, like any other individual facing criminal charges, is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. While the evidence against Gates appears to be significant, it is the responsibility of the prosecution to present this evidence and establish his guilt. Gates will have the opportunity to present his defense and challenge the charges brought against him during the legal proceedings.
Conclusion
The arrest and charges against Lowell Gates for his involvement in assaulting law enforcement during the January 6 Capitol breach highlight the serious consequences for those who engaged in violent actions that day. The investigation and prosecution of individuals like Gates serve as a reminder of the value placed on the rule of law and the accountability expected from all citizens. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the support of the community are crucial in bringing justice to those responsible for the breach and ensuring that such events are not repeated in the future.