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Defendant’s History of Violence Unfolds in Court
A California man’s history of violence was laid bare in court yesterday as he was found guilty of felony charges related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol breach.
Sean Michael McHugh, 35, of Auburn, California, was convicted of obstruction and assaulting, impeding, or interfering with law enforcement officers after a stipulated bench trial.
According to evidence presented in court, McHugh was on the Lower West Terrace on the afternoon of January 6, where he was captured on video footage and audio assaulting multiple U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) officers.
McHugh was seen carrying a cannister of bear spray in a holster on his hip and discharging the bear spray into a line of USCP officers. He was also heard yelling at officers, among other things, ‘You’re protecting communists!’; ‘There is a Second Amendment behind us, what are you going to do then?’; and ‘You ain’t holding the line!’
At approximately 1:40 p.m., McHugh, along with other rioters, pushed a large metal sign into a line of uniformed police officers while McHugh yelled into his megaphone, ‘Put it up there! Put it up there!’
U.S. District Court Judge John D. Bates scheduled a sentencing hearing for September 7, 2023.
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, with valuable assistance provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, as well as the Metropolitan Police Department, with significant assistance provided by the FBI’s Sacramento Field Office.
Since January 6, more than 1,000 individuals have been arrested on charges related to the breach, including more than 320 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement.
Anyone with information can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.
Key Facts
- State: Washington DC
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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