Virginia Duo Sentenced for Assaulting Cops with Deadly Weapons at Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

WASHINGTON – In a harsh reminder of the violence that unfolded on January 6, 2021, two men from Virginia were sentenced to prison for assaulting law enforcement officers with deadly or dangerous weapons during the breach of the U.S. Capitol.

Farhad Azari, 65, of Richmond, Virginia, was sentenced to 30 months in prison, 24 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2000 in restitution. His son, Farbod Azari, 33, also of Richmond, was sentenced to 50 months in prison, 24 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2000 in restitution.

The two men pleaded guilty to one count of civil disorder and one count of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers with a deadly or dangerous weapon. Their actions, and those of others, disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

According to court documents, the Azaris traveled from Richmond to Washington, D.C., on January 6, 2021, to protest Congress’ certification of the Electoral College vote. After arriving, they made their way to the West Front of the Capitol, and, at some point, Farbod and Farhad separated and engaged in the riot separately.

At approximately 1:13 p.m., Farbod approached a section of the fencing at the foot of the steps, gestured at the line of police officers, spat in their direction, and retreated into the crowd. Several seconds later, Farbod approached the fencing again and threw a water bottle at the officers. Meanwhile, Farhad engaged with officers defending the police line multiple times, throwing a water bottle and attempting to break the newly established line.

Farhad also confronted a line of police officers on the north side of the West Plaza, near the foot of a set of stairs leading to the Upper West Terrace of the Capitol. He yelled at the officers and attempted to kick an object on the ground in their direction, before picking up a flagpole and hurling it at the line of officers. He then obtained an air horn and threw that, too, toward officers.

At approximately 2:14 p.m., Farhad entered the U.S. Capitol building via the Senate Wing Doors through a broken window, making him one of the first rioters to enter the Capitol during the first breach of the Senate Wing Doors. He proceeded toward the Crypt and attempted to direct rioters to rush the police line.

The two men’s actions, and those of others, have been widely condemned as a brazen attack on the democratic process. Their sentences serve as a reminder of the consequences of such violence and the importance of upholding the rule of law.

U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth sentenced the two men, who will serve their time in federal prison. The case is a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups and individuals who seek to disrupt the democratic process through violence and intimidation.

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