In a significant development regarding the events of January 6, 2021, a Texas man has been sentenced for felony assault on law enforcement during the Capitol breach. Donald Hazard, 44, pleaded guilty to assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers and has been handed a prison term of 57 months. In addition to the prison sentence, Hazard will be subject to 36 months of supervised release and must pay restitution of $2,000. Court documents reveal that Hazard was a member of the Patriot Boys of North Texas, a self-proclaimed militia group. He had prepared for the rally in Washington, D.C. by acquiring protective gear and supplies. Hazard was observed in a video proclaiming his intentions and aggressively engaging with law enforcement officers during the breach. The investigation into the events of January 6 remains ongoing, with over 1,000 arrests made across the United States.
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Background
On January 6, 2021, the United States Capitol was breached by a group of individuals, disrupting a joint session of the U.S. Congress. This event resulted in an assault on law enforcement and the disruption of proceedings meant to certify the electoral votes for the 2020 presidential election. One individual involved in this assault was Donald Hazard, a 44-year-old man from Hurst, Texas. Hazard, who was the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Patriot Boys of North Texas, a self-described militia, has recently been sentenced for his actions on that day.
Details of the Case
Donald Hazard pleaded guilty to the charge of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers and was sentenced to 57 months in prison on May 19, 2023. U.S. District Court Judge Randolph D. Moss also ordered 36 months of supervised release and a restitution of $2,000. Prior to the breach, Hazard had gathered protective gear, including a military-style helmet, knuckle gloves, goggles, body armor, and pepper spray, in preparation for attending the rally in Washington, D.C. on January 6, 2021.
Assault on Law Enforcement
During the breach, Hazard encountered Capitol Police officers while attempting to climb the stairs on the northwest side of the U.S. Capitol building. Officer T.S. engaged with Hazard in an attempt to force him back, but Hazard grabbed Officer T.S. as he fell, resulting in a physical altercation. Officer T.S. sustained injuries to his head, foot, and arm, some of which required surgery. In addition to this encounter, Hazard also advanced towards a line of police officers on the west side of the Capitol with a cannister of pepper spray in hand.
Entry into the Capitol Building
At approximately 2:56 p.m. on January 6, 2021, Hazard entered the Capitol building through the Parliamentarian door. He remained inside for approximately five minutes. During this time, Hazard recorded selfie-style videos both inside and outside the Capitol building, making statements such as “We’re here at the nation’s capitol and we’re storming it. We’re taking the Capitol. This is America, baby.”
Arrest and Prosecution
Donald Hazard was arrested on December 13, 2021. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas. The investigation into the breach of the U.S. Capitol remains ongoing.
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Ongoing Investigation
Since January 6, 2021, over 1,000 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol. A significant number of these individuals, including more than 320, have been charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement officers. The investigation is continuing, and the authorities encourage individuals with any tips or information related to the events of January 6 to come forward.
How to Provide Tips
If you have any information that may be relevant to the ongoing investigation into the breach of the U.S. Capitol, you can contact the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or visiting tips.fbi.gov. Authorities are actively seeking any information that may help in identifying and prosecuting individuals involved in the assault on law enforcement officers and the disruption of the joint session of the U.S. Congress. By providing tips, you can contribute to the pursuit of justice and the protection of our democratic processes.
The events of January 6, 2021, serve as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and preserving the democratic institutions that form the foundation of our nation. The assault on law enforcement officers during the breach of the U.S. Capitol was a serious offense that undermined the principles of democracy and endangered the safety of those sworn to protect and serve. As the investigation continues, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other law enforcement agencies remain committed to holding accountable those who participated in these criminal acts.
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