On June 26, 2024, Benjamin J. Martin, 46, of Madera, California, was found guilty by a federal jury for his involvement in the January 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol breach. According to the Department of Justice, Martin faced multiple charges including felony offenses of civil disorder and obstruction of an official proceeding, in addition to several misdemeanors that encompassed entering and remaining in a restricted building and disorderly conduct. His sentencing is scheduled for November 15, 2024.

The trial brought to light details of Martin's conduct during the Capitol riot. After attending the former President's rally, Martin was documented advancing toward the Capitol and aggressively confronting law enforcement officers guarding a set of doors. He was part of a group that escalated to violence when they were prevented from breaching the Capitol, employing tactics like shoving and spraying chemical irritants at the officers. Despite being struck by a baton, Martin persisted, repeatedly grabbing and holding open doors to let other rioters inside.

Martin remained combative and defied police orders for over an hour, even as officers used chemical spray and pepper bullets to disperse rioters. He was heard encouraging rebellion against the government and urging officers to abandon their duty. The DOJ press release mentioned that Martin was taken into custody by the FBI on September 2, 2021, in California, roughly eight months after the insurrection took place.

The California native's conviction adds to the growing list of repercussions following the Capitol breach, with more than 1,450 individuals facing charges so far. Among them, more than 500 have been charged with felonies for assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The continuing fallout from January 6 underscores the gravity of the day's events and the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to hold those involved accountable.