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Robert James Bonham Charged in Jan. 6 Capitol Breach
Washington DC – In a shocking turn of events, Robert James Bonham, a 44-year-old man from Alabama, has been arrested and charged with assaulting law enforcement and other crimes related to the January 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol.
According to court documents, Bonham was identified in police body-worn camera footage on January 6, 2021, armed with a flagpole bearing an American flag, at approximately 2:32 p.m. on the Capitol’s Upper West Plaza, where officers were retreating under pressure from advancing rioters.
Moments later, at approximately 2:33 p.m., it is alleged that officers commanded Bonham and others to ‘move back!’ Instead of complying, Bonham allegedly raised the flagpole and thrust it forward toward an officer in an apparent attempt to stab him. Body-worn camera footage shows the flagpole making contact with the officer, constituting a forcible assault and obstructing the officer’s duties.
A physical struggle ensued after the alleged attack, with Bonham refusing to release the flagpole despite multiple commands from the officers. A tense standoff lasted until Bonham regained control of the flagpole and returned to the mob.
Bonham is charged with felony offenses of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers and obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder. In addition to the felonies, he is also charged with several misdemeanor offenses, including entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and act of physical violence in the Capitol grounds or buildings.
The FBI arrested Bonham today in Alabama, and he will make his initial appearance in the Northern District of Alabama. This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama.
In the 46 months since January 6, 2021, more than 1,561 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 590 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov. A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Key Facts
- State: Washington DC
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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