Texas Gunman Indicted in Jan. 6 Capitol Riot

BALLINGER, TX – Mario Mares, 49, of Ballinger, Texas, is facing serious federal charges after a grand jury indicted him for his role in the January 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol. Mares isn’t accused of just being *present* during the chaos; the feds say he illegally carried a loaded handgun while inside the restricted grounds, and actively worked to obstruct the certification of the 2020 presidential election.

The four-count indictment, unsealed this week in Washington D.C., details allegations that Mares knowingly entered the Capitol building and remained there despite being warned it was off-limits. Crucially, prosecutors claim Mares possessed a black, semi-automatic pistol during the breach. That single fact elevates the charges from simple trespassing to serious felony offenses, potentially putting Mares behind bars for years. He’s also facing misdemeanor charges for disruptive behavior.

According to the indictment, Mares didn’t just wander around. The feds allege his actions were “intended to impede official functions of the U.S. government.” This isn’t about a tourist getting lost; it’s about someone actively trying to derail a core function of American democracy while armed. The specifics of *how* Mares attempted to obstruct the proceedings haven’t been fully detailed, but the charge suggests a deliberate effort to interfere.

Mares was arrested on August 2, 2023, in his hometown of Ballinger. He’s expected to appear in federal court in the Northern District of Texas, Abilene division, for an initial hearing. This is where he’ll be formally informed of the charges and asked to enter a plea. Don’t expect a quick resolution – these cases are notoriously complex and often drag on for months, if not years.

The investigation is a multi-agency effort. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is leading the prosecution, with assistance from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Federal prosecutors are also working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas and the FBI’s Dallas Division, Abilene Resident Agency, and Washington Field Offices. The Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department also played a role in building the case.

Mares is one of over 1,069 individuals arrested in connection with the January 6th riot, a continuing investigation that shows no signs of slowing down. The feds are still actively pursuing leads and making arrests, two and a half years after the initial attack. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the ongoing fallout from that dark day in American history.