Capitol Rioter From Washington State Nabbed

Yacolt, Washington resident Benjamin John Silva, 36, is facing serious federal charges after being identified as a participant in the January 6th, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol. Silva isn’t just accused of being *present* at the riot; he’s alleged to have actively engaged in the chaotic and violent breach, specifically targeting law enforcement officers defending the Lower West Terrace Tunnel.

The feds say Silva wasn’t a bystander. Open-source video footage places him at the very front of the surging crowd attempting to overwhelm a police line inside the tunnel. Investigators claim Silva physically pushed against officers, even placing a hand directly on an officer’s riot shield – a clear attempt to impede their duty and potentially inflict harm. This wasn’t a peaceful protest; it was a coordinated attack on the seat of American democracy, and Silva is now answering for his role.

According to court documents, Silva’s actions weren’t limited to simply pushing. Footage shows him exiting the tunnel visibly distressed, eyes closed and tearing up – likely due to pepper spray deployed by officers attempting to hold the line. Another individual is seen trying to flush his eyes with water. When questioned at the scene, Silva identified himself as “Ben Silva” and confirmed he was from Washington State, effectively admitting his presence during the commission of a federal crime.

Silva is being prosecuted by federal prosecutors from the District of Columbia, with support from the Department of Justice’s National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. The investigation isn’t limited to D.C., however. The U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Western District of Washington and the District of Oregon assisted in building the case, alongside FBI field offices in Seattle, Washington, and Portland. This indicates a coordinated, multi-state effort to identify and charge those involved in the Capitol breach.

The charges against Silva are substantial: civil disorder, entering or remaining in a restricted building, disorderly conduct, engaging in physical violence in a restricted building, and impeding passage through the Capitol grounds. Each charge carries potential jail time, and a conviction on even one count could dramatically alter Silva’s future. The feds are making an example of these rioters, and Silva is now squarely in their crosshairs.

The investigation into the January 6th riot remains active. The FBI is still seeking information and urging anyone with relevant details to come forward. While Silva’s arrest represents a step toward accountability, hundreds more participants remain at large. The feds haven’t forgotten, and they’re continuing to chip away at the network of individuals responsible for the attack on the Capitol. Anyone with information is urged to contact their local FBI field office.

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