In a significant development regarding the investigations into the events of January 6, 2021, a Washington State man pleaded guilty to felony charges for his actions during the Capitol breach. Tucker Weston, 34, entered his guilty plea today to assault on a federal officer and civil disorder. His actions, along with those of other rioters, disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress, which was convened to certify the electoral votes of the 2020 presidential election. Weston’s sentencing hearing has been scheduled for November 21, 2023. 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 valuable assistance from the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.
Background Information
On January 6, 2021, the U.S. Capitol was breached by a mob of individuals, causing chaos and disrupting a joint session of the U.S. Congress. Among those involved was Tucker Weston, a 34-year-old man from Lynnwood, Washington. Weston pleaded guilty to felony charges for his actions during the Capitol breach, including assaulting a law enforcement officer and engaging in civil disorder.
Weston traveled from Seattle, Washington, to Washington, D.C., with the purpose of attending the “Stop the Steal” rally at the Ellipse. In the morning of January 6, he participated in the rally and subsequently joined other protestors in marching towards the U.S. Capitol. Weston played a role in removing a metal barricade on the Capitol grounds, which allowed the rioters to advance closer to the building.
Defendant Illegally Entered Capitol Grounds
Weston illegally entered the Capitol grounds, where he confronted a group of police officers near the Lower West Plaza. During the confrontation, Weston and other rioters aggressively shoved the officers who were attempting to prevent them from getting closer to the Capitol building. Weston continued his aggressive behavior as he moved to different areas of the grounds, shoving officers and advancing towards the Capitol.
Actions Disrupted Joint Session of U.S. Congress
The joint session of the U.S. Congress on January 6, 2021, was intended to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election. The actions of Weston and other rioters disrupted this process, causing chaos and violence inside the Capitol building. The breach halted the proceedings and put the safety of lawmakers and law enforcement officers at risk.
Charges and Sentencing
Weston pleaded guilty to two felony offenses: assault on a federal officer and civil disorder. These charges carry serious consequences and reflect the severity of Weston’s actions during the Capitol breach. U.S. District Court Judge Reggie B. Walton scheduled a sentencing hearing for November 21, 2023, where Weston’s fate will be determined.
Travel from Seattle to Washington, D.C.
Weston traveled from Seattle, Washington, to Washington, D.C., specifically to attend the “Stop the Steal” rally at the Ellipse. His purpose of travel was to join other protestors in expressing his discontent with the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. The timeline of Weston’s travel and arrival in D.C. aligns with the events that unfolded on January 6, 2021.
Participation in ‘Stop the Steal’ Rally
The “Stop the Steal” rally was a gathering of individuals who believed that the 2020 presidential election had been stolen. Weston was motivated to attend this rally and voice his opposition to what he perceived as election fraud. During the rally at the Ellipse, Weston engaged in activities and actions that reflected his support for the cause.
Marching Towards U.S. Capitol
After the rally at the Ellipse, Weston joined other protestors in marching towards the U.S. Capitol. His motivation for marching towards the Capitol was to show his discontent with the election results and support the efforts of fellow protestors. The crowd, including Weston, grew in size as they made their way closer to the Capitol building, fueling the intensity of the situation.
Involvement in Removing Metal Barricade
Weston actively participated in removing a metal barricade on the Capitol grounds. The removal of this barricade allowed the rioters to advance closer to the Capitol building, intensifying the breach. Weston’s involvement in this act contributed to the disorder and chaos that ensued.
Case Prosecution and Investigation
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting Weston’s case. The investigation into the Capitol breach remains ongoing, with the FBI’s Seattle Field Office and the FBI’s Washington Field Office leading the efforts. Law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department, have provided valuable assistance in this ongoing investigation.
The prosecution of individuals involved in the Capitol breach has been widespread, with over 1,069 individuals arrested in nearly all 50 states. More than 350 individuals have been charged specifically with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation continues, and the authorities are seeking the public’s help in reporting tips and providing information related to the events of January 6, 2021.
In conclusion, Tucker Weston’s illegal entry into the Capitol grounds and his actions during the Capitol breach disrupted the joint session of the U.S. Congress and endangered the safety of lawmakers and law enforcement officers. Weston’s guilty plea to assault on a federal officer and civil disorder reflects the seriousness of his offenses. The investigation into the Capitol breach remains ongoing, with the prosecution of individuals involved being a top priority for law enforcement agencies.