Five Convicted in Capitol Riot 2021

Ryan Samsel and four co-defendants were found guilty of civil disorder, assault of a police officer, and obstructing congressional proceedings in connection to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. They were also acquitted of felony counts for being in a restricted area with a dangerous weapon. Samsel, who was convicted on eight of 12 counts, was recognized as an instigator of the violent breach that allowed thousands of protesters to flood the Capitol grounds. While the verdict represents high-profile Jan. 6 felony convictions, U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb rejected some charges related to trespassing and disorderly conduct, citing the prosecutors' failure to prove the defendants' awareness of Vice President Mike Pence's presence during the riot.