In a recent development, a Texas man has been found guilty of assaulting law enforcement during the January 6th Capitol breach. Matthew DaSilva, 51, of Lavon, Texas, was convicted of six charges, including civil disorder and assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers. He was among the crowd of rioters that had gathered in front of the Capitol grounds on that fateful day, and he actively participated in violent actions against law enforcement. DaSilva’s sentencing hearing has been scheduled for October 12, 2023. This conviction is part of the ongoing investigation into the Capitol breach, which has led to the arrests of over 1,069 individuals across the nation.
Overview
On January 6, 2021, a disturbing event unfolded at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. Rioters stormed the Capitol grounds, resulting in chaos and violence. Among the individuals involved was Matthew DaSilva, a 51-year-old man from Lavon, Texas. DaSilva has been found guilty of multiple charges related to assaulting law enforcement officers during the Capitol breach. This article will provide an overview of the background information, charges, and verdict in the case against DaSilva, as well as the upcoming sentencing hearing.
Background Information
The events of January 6, 2021, will forever be etched in the memory of the American people. On that day, a joint session of the U.S. Congress was convened to count the electoral votes related to the presidential election. However, instead of a peaceful democratic process, the Capitol was stormed by a mob of rioters, causing widespread disruption and endangering the lives of lawmakers and law enforcement officers.
Charges and Verdict
Following a bench trial before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Nichols, Matthew DaSilva has been found guilty of a total of six charges. These charges include civil disorder, assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers, 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, and an act of physical violence in the Capitol grounds or buildings. However, DaSilva was found not guilty of disorderly conduct in a Capitol building.
Sentencing Hearing
While DaSilva has been convicted of these charges, his ultimate fate has yet to be determined. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for October 12, 2023. During this hearing, the court will consider various factors, including the severity of DaSilva’s offenses, his criminal history (if any), and any mitigating circumstances presented by the defense. The hearing will provide an opportunity for both the prosecution and defense to argue for an appropriate sentence.
Events of Jan. 6, 2021
To understand the case against Matthew DaSilva, it is crucial to examine the specific events that took place on January 6, 2021.
Rioters Gathered on the Capitol Grounds
The crowd of rioters that gathered on the western front of the Capitol grounds was comprised of individuals driven by a variety of motivations. Some believed in baseless conspiracy theories, others sought to disrupt the democratic process, and a few aimed to cause harm to law enforcement officers and lawmakers.
DaSilva’s Actions in the West Plaza
At approximately 2:35 p.m., DaSilva was observed among the crowd on the west plaza of the Capitol. Holding a flagpole and waving a large blue flag, DaSilva actively participated in the atmosphere of chaos and lawlessness that had engulfed the Capitol.
Engaging in a Group Maneuver
Around 4:20 p.m., Capitol Police CCTV footage captured DaSilva at the back of a group of rioters as they engaged in a group “heave-ho” maneuver. This maneuver was an attempt to dislodge law enforcement officers from their position defending the Lower West Terrace tunnel entrance to the Capitol building.
Forcibly Pushing against an Officer
At approximately 4:33 p.m., DaSilva approached a group of officers assembled in the tunnel and forcibly pushed against an officer’s outstretched riot shield. DaSilva further escalated the violence by grabbing the riot shield and pulling it away from the officer. Additionally, he swatted the officer’s arm away as the officer attempted to deploy a handheld canister of OC spray.
Evidence and Witnesses
To prove the charges against DaSilva, the prosecution relied on compelling evidence and the testimony of witnesses who observed his actions during the Capitol breach.
Government’s Evidence
The government presented a wealth of evidence to support the charges against DaSilva. This evidence included video footage, photographs, and statements that clearly depicted DaSilva’s involvement in the assault on law enforcement officers.
Capitol Police CCTV Footage
One key piece of evidence was the Capitol Police closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage that captured DaSilva’s actions. This footage provided incontrovertible evidence of his participation in the events of January 6, 2021.
Interaction with the Officer’s Riot Shield
Another crucial piece of evidence was the interaction between DaSilva and the officer’s riot shield. This physical altercation, captured on video, demonstrated DaSilva’s aggressive behavior and his intent to impede law enforcement officers.
Physical Contact with the Officer
Multiple witnesses testified to observing DaSilva making physical contact with an officer, both by forcibly pushing against the officer’s riot shield and by swatting the officer’s arm away. Their testimonies provided further corroboration of DaSilva’s violent actions.
Prosecution and Assistance
The efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, along with the Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section, were instrumental in prosecuting the case against Matthew DaSilva.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia played a pivotal role in the prosecution of DaSilva. Their experienced team of prosecutors diligently worked to present a compelling case against the accused.
Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section
The Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section provided valuable expertise and support throughout the prosecution. Given the significance of the events at the Capitol, their involvement was crucial in ensuring a thorough investigation and a strong case against DaSilva.
Assistance from the Northern District of Texas
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas provided crucial assistance in the prosecution of DaSilva. Cooperation between different districts is vital in complex cases like these to ensure a seamless and comprehensive investigation.
Investigation and Arrests
The investigation into the events of January 6, 2021, involved multiple law enforcement agencies and resulted in numerous arrests across the country.
FBI’s Washington and Dallas Field Offices
The FBI’s Washington Field Office and Dallas Field Office played a vital role in the investigation. They worked tirelessly to identify and locate individuals involved in the Capitol breach, including DaSilva.
Identification of DaSilva as BOLO #230
With the help of the FBI’s seeking information photos, which included DaSilva as BOLO (“Be On the Look Out”) #230, law enforcement agencies were able to identify and locate him. This identification was a critical step in holding DaSilva accountable for his actions.
Assistance from Metropolitan Police Department and U.S. Capitol Police
The Metropolitan Police Department and U.S. Capitol Police provided invaluable assistance during the investigation. Their knowledge of the Capitol building’s layout and their expertise in handling complex criminal cases were essential in identifying and apprehending individuals involved in the breach, including DaSilva.
Total Number of Arrests and Charges
Since January 6, 2021, over 1,069 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol. More than 350 individuals have been charged specifically with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. This ongoing investigation reflects the commitment of law enforcement agencies to hold those responsible for the Capitol breach accountable.
Ongoing Investigation
While Matthew DaSilva has been found guilty of assaulting law enforcement officers during the Capitol breach, the investigation into the events of January 6, 2021, is far from over.
Current Status of the Investigation
Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the individuals involved in the Capitol breach. They are working tirelessly to gather evidence, identify perpetrators, and ensure that justice is served in all cases related to this incident.
Tips for Providing Information to the FBI
Members of the public who have information related to the events of January 6, 2021, or the individuals involved are encouraged to come forward. Tips can be submitted to the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or by visiting tips.fbi.gov. Providing any relevant information can aid the ongoing investigation and help ensure that all those responsible for the Capitol breach are held accountable.
Conclusion
The guilty verdict against Matthew DaSilva for assaulting law enforcement officers during the January 6, 2021, Capitol breach holds significant implications. It serves as a reminder that actions aimed at undermining the democratic process and endangering the lives of those who serve in the government will not go unpunished.
The commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, along with the Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section and the assistance provided by the Northern District of Texas, reflects a determination to address the crimes committed during the Capitol breach. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI’s Washington and Dallas Field Offices, the Metropolitan Police Department, and the U.S. Capitol Police, is instrumental in holding accountable those responsible for the events of January 6, 2021.
As the investigation into the Capitol breach continues, it is crucial for the public to remain engaged and provide any relevant information to the FBI. By doing so, individuals can contribute to the ongoing pursuit of justice and help ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future. The commitment to addressing Capitol breach crimes remains firm, and the nation’s resolve to protect the rule of law remains steadfast.