Jason Howland, a 47-year-old from Clinton Township, Michigan, has entered a guilty plea to a felony charge concerning his actions during the Capitol breach on January 6, 2021. The Department of Justice reported that Howland pled guilty to obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder. His sentencing is scheduled for January 10, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden.
Troubling footage from that day shows Howland among a crowd of rioters at the U.S. Capitol's scaffolding, where Capitol Police had established a line to hold back unauthorized entry. Seen rallying the crowd with shouts of "Let's go," Howland played a part in the tide that eventually breached the police barrier. Described as "identified in open-source video" according to the Department of Justice, he pushed forward, contributing to the chaotic overrun of police defenses.
Upon entering the building, Howland's involvement didn't wane. He traveled through the Capitol, eventually reaching the Crypt, where he continued to chant and watched as others assaulted police officers. According to court documents, at 2:20 p.m. that day, Howland acknowledged a message indicating that Congress had gone into recess due to the breach, further spotlighting his awareness and active participation.
Even once outside the Capitol, Howland's confrontational demeanor persisted, aiming defiance at police officers joining the response effort. Amidst a backdrop of confusion and misinformation, Howland made clear to an inquiring individual that the instigators were "patriots," not ANTIFA—this interaction captured in an exchange where he subsequently replied, "No. Not Antifa. For a fact," as the Department of Justice details. His arrest came over three years later, on January 24.
