Ryan K. Yates, Capitol Breach, Florida 2021

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Florida Man Sentenced for Role in Jan 6 Capitol Riot

A Florida man was sentenced to prison for his role in the Jan 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol, federal authorities announced.

Ryan K. Yates, 37, of Holiday, Florida, pleaded guilty to a felony charge and was sentenced to six months in prison, three months in home detention, 24 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution by U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden.

According to court documents, on Jan 6, 2021, Yates entered the restricted area around the United States Capitol building and pushed away barricades that had been set up to block protesters. He entered the building at approximately 2:17 p.m. through the Senate Wing Doors.

Yates then made his way down the Statuary Hall Connector and to the House side of the building, where he stood near a group of rioters as they tried to break into the House floor. Yates also traveled to the Capitol Rotunda and Crypt. Around 3:20 p.m., Yates went to the interior Rotunda door, which connects the Rotunda to the east entrance of the Capitol.

As rioters rushed from the outside to get into the Rotunda, Yates joined in the effort. Yates began to pump his fist as rioters streamed into the Capitol and joined as the crowd surged forward. He worked his way to the front of the group and, along with a handful of other rioters, pushed against police to enter the Rotunda itself before officers were able to close the door.

Inside the Rotunda, surrounded by police, Yates was escorted out of the building with his arms raised. Afterward, Yates remained on the Capitol grounds, within the restricted area.

The FBI arrested Yates on Sept 26, 2023, in Tampa, Florida. This case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.