Two men from Florida and Illinois have been charged with assault and obstruction of law enforcement during the Capitol Breach on January 6, 2021. The two individuals, identified as William Bierbrodt of St. Cloud, Florida, and Joseph Bierbrodt of Sheridan, Illinois, were arrested on July 26, 2023, and face felony and misdemeanor charges related to their actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol. Court documents reveal that William Bierbrodt used his cane to break a window on the Senate Wing fire door and unlatch the locked door, allowing other rioters to enter. Joseph Bierbrodt then assaulted a U.S. Capitol Police officer by slamming the officer against a wall. The investigation into the Capitol Breach remains ongoing, with over 1,069 individuals arrested for crimes related to the event.
Charges Filed Against Two Men from Florida and Illinois
Arrest and Charges
On July 26, 2023, two men from Florida and Illinois were arrested and charged in connection with the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. This breach disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress that was convened to certify the electoral votes for the presidential election.
William Bierbrodt, 55, of St. Cloud, Florida, and Joseph Bierbrodt, 54, of Sheridan, Illinois, are facing both felony and misdemeanor charges. The charges were filed in a complaint filed in the District of Columbia and were unsealed on July 27, 2023.
Actions During the Capitol Breach
The actions of the Bierbrodt brothers during the Capitol breach were detailed in the court documents. CCTV footage and open-source videos showed William Bierbrodt using his cane to break a window on the Senate Wing fire door and unlatch the locked door, enabling other rioters to enter. Joseph Bierbrodt stood by with his back to the door while William repeatedly hit the window with his cane. Once the door was opened, the Bierbrodts and other rioters proceeded to enter the Senate Wing, where they encountered law enforcement officers who were trying to push back the rioters and close the door.
According to the court documents, Joseph assaulted a U.S. Capitol Police officer by slamming the officer against a wall after the door had been breached. The brothers and other rioters continued further into the Senate Wing and were met by another line of police officers. To prevent the rioters from advancing, these officers deployed OC spray. Joseph then turned around and exited the building, while later assisting his brother with his exit from the Senate Wing.
William Bierbrodt’s Charges
Felony Charge: Obstruction of Law Enforcement During Civil Disorder
William Bierbrodt is facing a felony charge of obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder. This charge is related to his actions of breaking the window on the Senate Wing fire door and opening the locked door during the Capitol breach.
Misdemeanor Charges
In addition to the felony charge, William Bierbrodt is also facing several misdemeanor charges. These charges include entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, physical violence in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building or grounds, parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building, and willfully injuring or deprecating any property of the United States.
Joseph Bierbrodt’s Charges
Felony Charges
Joseph Bierbrodt is facing two felony charges in connection with the Capitol breach. The first felony charge is obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder, similar to the charge faced by his brother, William. The second felony charge is assault on a federal officer or on a person assisting a federal officer. This charge is related to Joseph’s assault on a U.S. Capitol Police officer during the breach.
Misdemeanor Charges
In addition to the felony charges, Joseph Bierbrodt is also facing several misdemeanor charges. These charges include entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, physical violence in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building or grounds, parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building, and physical violence in a Capitol building or grounds.
Arrest and Initial Appearances
William Bierbrodt’s Arrest and Initial Appearance
William Bierbrodt was arrested in St. Cloud, Florida, on July 26, 2023. He made his initial appearance in the Middle District of Florida.
Joseph Bierbrodt’s Arrest and Initial Appearance
Joseph Bierbrodt was arrested in Sheridan, Illinois, on July 26, 2023. He made his initial appearance in the Northern District of Illinois.
Prosecution and Investigation
Prosecution by U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia
The prosecution of William and Joseph Bierbrodt is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. They are responsible for presenting the case against the defendants in court and seeking justice for the crimes committed during the Capitol breach.
Assistance from U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Florida and Illinois
The U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Middle District of Florida and the Northern District of Illinois have provided valuable assistance in the investigation and prosecution of the Bierbrodt brothers. Their collaboration ensures a comprehensive and thorough legal process.
Investigation by FBI’s Washington, Tampa, and Chicago Field Offices
The investigation into the Capitol breach and the involvement of the Bierbrodt brothers is being conducted by the FBI’s Washington, Tampa, and Chicago Field Offices. These offices have the jurisdiction and expertise to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case against the defendants.
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. Their expertise in Capitol security and law enforcement has contributed to the collection of evidence and the identification of suspects involved in the Capitol breach.
Ongoing Investigation and Arrests
Number of Arrests Since Jan. 6, 2021
Since January 6, 2021, over 1,069 individuals have been arrested across nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol. This number demonstrates the extensive efforts undertaken by law enforcement agencies to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
Charges Related to Assaulting or Impeding Law Enforcement
Of the individuals arrested in connection with the Capitol breach, more than 350 have been charged specifically with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. These charges reflect the seriousness of the crimes committed against law enforcement officers who were carrying out their duty to protect the Capitol and its occupants.
Tips and Reporting
The investigation into the Capitol breach remains ongoing, and the authorities encourage anyone with information or tips related to the case to come forward. Tips can be shared by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or by visiting tips.fbi.gov. The cooperation and assistance of the public are crucial in solving this case and ensuring justice is served.
Presumption of Innocence
Complaint as Allegation
It is important to note that the charges filed against William and Joseph Bierbrodt are based on the complaint filed in the District of Columbia. A complaint is merely an allegation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The upcoming legal proceedings will determine the veracity of the allegations and the guilt or innocence of the defendants.
Defendants Presumed Innocent
Until proven guilty in a court of law, both William and Joseph Bierbrodt are presumed innocent. They have the right to present their defense and challenge the evidence brought against them. The presumption of innocence is a fundamental principle of the U.S. justice system, ensuring fair and impartial proceedings.
Conclusion
The arrest and charges filed against William and Joseph Bierbrodt demonstrate the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies and the justice system to hold individuals accountable for their actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. The allegations against the Bierbrodt brothers will be addressed in a court of law, where the presumption of innocence will apply until proven otherwise. As the investigation continues, the authorities urge anyone with information to come forward and assist in ensuring justice is served.