On August 3, 2023, a Texas man named Mario Mares was indicted on felony and misdemeanor charges for his involvement in the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Mares is facing a four-count indictment, including charges for entering and remaining in a restricted building with a deadly weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm on Capitol grounds, and various misdemeanor offenses related to disorderly conduct. According to the indictment, Mares unlawfully possessed a black semi-automatic handgun while impeding the official functions of the U.S. government within the restricted area. More than 1,069 individuals have been arrested in connection with the Capitol breach, and the investigation is still ongoing.
Summary
A Texas man, Mario Mares, has been indicted on felony and misdemeanor charges for his involvement in the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Mares’ actions, along with others, disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress that was convened to determine and count the electoral votes related to the presidential election. The indictment includes four counts, with two felony charges for entering and remaining in a restricted building with a deadly weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm on Capitol grounds. Mares is also facing misdemeanor charges for disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building. He was arrested in Ballinger, Texas, on August 2, 2023, and will make his initial appearance in the Northern District of Texas. This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas. The investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Dallas Division, Abilene Resident Agency, and Washington Field Offices, with support from the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department. Over 1,069 individuals have been arrested in connection with the Capitol breach, with ongoing investigations and charges against hundreds of individuals. Tips can be provided to the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or visiting tips.fbi.gov. It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Background
Texas Man Indicted
Mario Mares, a resident of Ballinger, Texas, has been indicted on felony and misdemeanor charges for his involvement in the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Charges
Mares is facing a four-count indictment, including two felony charges and various misdemeanor charges. The felony charges include entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm on Capitol grounds or buildings. The misdemeanor charges include disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building.
Disruption of U.S. Congress
The actions of Mares and others on January 6, 2021, disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress that had been convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the presidential election.
Indictment Details
Four-count Indictment
The indictment against Mario Mares consists of four counts, encompassing two felony offenses and various misdemeanor offenses.
Felony Charges
Mares has been indicted on two felony charges. The first felony charge is for entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon. The second felony charge is for unlawful possession of a firearm on Capitol grounds or buildings.
Misdemeanor Charges
In addition to the felony charges, Mares is facing various misdemeanor charges. These charges include disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building.
Specific Offenses
Entering and Remaining in a Restricted Building
One of the felony charges against Mario Mares is for entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon. This offense refers to Mares’ presence in the Capitol building and its grounds, which were restricted areas, while carrying a firearm.
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
The second felony charge against Mares is for unlawful possession of a firearm on Capitol grounds or buildings. The indictment states that Mares unlawfully possessed a black semi-automatic handgun while inside the restricted area.
Disorderly and Disruptive Conduct
Mares is also facing a misdemeanor charge for disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds. This offense relates to Mares’ behavior within the restricted area of the Capitol building.
Disorderly Conduct
Another misdemeanor charge against Mares is for disorderly conduct in a Capitol building. The indictment alleges that Mares engaged in disorderly conduct while inside the Capitol building.
Allegations Against Mario Mares
Entering and Remaining in the Capitol Building
As per the indictment, Mario Mares is accused of entering and remaining in the Capitol building on January 6, 2021. The Capitol building was a restricted area at the time of the breach.
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
The indictment also alleges that Mares unlawfully possessed a firearm while inside the Capitol building. Specifically, he was in possession of a black semi-automatic handgun, which is considered to be a dangerous weapon.
Engaging in Behavior to Impede Official Functions
Mares is accused of engaging in behavior with the intent to impede official functions of the U.S. government while inside the Capitol building. This behavior is deemed disruptive and obstructive to the functioning of the government.
Arrest and Initial Appearance
Date and Location of Arrest
Mario Mares was arrested on August 2, 2023, in Ballinger, Texas.
Initial Appearance in the Northern District of Texas
Mares is scheduled to make his initial appearance today in the Northern District of Texas, specifically in the Abilene Division.
Prosecution and Investigation
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia
The prosecution of Mario Mares is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. This office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes within the District of Columbia.
Department of Justice National Security Division
The Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section is also involved in the prosecution of Mario Mares. This division focuses on combating terrorism and other national security threats.
Assistance from U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas has provided valuable assistance in the prosecution of Mario Mares. This office collaborates with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia to ensure effective handling of the case.
FBI’s Involvement
The FBI’s Dallas Division, Abilene Resident Agency, and Washington Field Offices are involved in the investigation of the Capitol breach and Mario Mares’ case. The FBI plays a critical role in gathering evidence and conducting investigations into federal crimes.
Assistance from U.S. Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department
The U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department have provided valuable assistance in the investigation of the Capitol breach and Mario Mares’ case. These law enforcement agencies work collaboratively to ensure the security and safety of the Capitol and its occupants.
Ongoing Investigation
Number of Arrests
Since January 6, 2021, over 1,069 individuals have been arrested in connection with the breach of the U.S. Capitol. These arrests have been made in nearly all 50 states.
Charges Against Individuals
In addition to the arrests, more than 350 individuals have been charged specifically with assaulting or impeding law enforcement during the Capitol breach. These charges reflect the seriousness of the offenses committed during the breach.
Importance of Tips
The investigation into the Capitol breach remains ongoing. The FBI encourages individuals with any information about the breach or related offenses to come forward and provide tips. Tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or visiting tips.fbi.gov. The information provided by the public is crucial in bringing those responsible for the breach to justice.
Contact Information
FBI Tips Line
Individuals with information about the Capitol breach or related offenses can contact the FBI’s tips line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
Presumption of Innocence
It is important to remember that all defendants, including Mario Mares, are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. An indictment is simply an allegation and does not indicate guilt. The justice system ensures that defendants have the opportunity to present their case and defend themselves during the legal process.