South Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to Using Stolen Riot Shield in Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

WASHINGTON — Tyler Bradley Dykes, 26, of Bluffton, South Carolina, pleaded guilty today to two felony charges for his actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Dykes pleaded guilty to two felony counts of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers and agreed that his use of a police riot shield constituted a dangerous weapon. U.S. District Court Judge Howell scheduled a sentencing hearing for July 19, 2024.

According to court documents, leading up to January 6, 2021, Dykes subscribed to several public Telegram groups that discussed the 2020 Presidential election, alleged voter fraud, the Electoral College Certification, and anticipated events related to the certification that were going to take place on January 6, 2021 in Washington, D.C.

On the morning of January 6, 2021, Dykes attended former President Trump’s rally at the Ellipse and walked from the rally to the United States Capitol Building and grounds. As Dykes approached the Capitol, he saw snow fencing and bicycle rack barricades with “AREA CLOSED” signs, but removed the snow fencing and moved the metal bicycle rack barricades, allowing other rioters to more easily enter the restricted area.

By approximately 2:35 p.m., Dykes pushed his way to the front of the mob in front of the doors, where he forcibly, voluntarily, and intentionally grabbed hold of one U.S. Capitol Police Officer’s riot shield. Dykes then continued forcibly, voluntarily, and intentionally using his body and hands to pull the shield away from the officer, who was attempting to maintain control of the shield.

The mob then re-engaged with the line of officers, violently pushing them, throwing things at them, and continuing to pepper spray them, among other things. Dykes, among them, began using the shield to forcibly push other rioters ahead of him, who pushed against the line of officers. He also used the riot shield to obstruct and intimidate the police officers defending the Capitol.

Dykes, now facing sentencing, will have to answer for his actions on July 19, 2024, a day that will determine the severity of his punishment. As the nation continues to grapple with the aftermath of the January 6, 2021, Capitol breach, Dykes’ guilty plea serves as a reminder of the severity of the crimes committed that day.