A Texas man, Jeffrey David Reed, was found guilty of felony and misdemeanor charges related to his actions during the January 6, 2021, Capitol breach. A member of the Proud Boys, 49-year-old Reed from Rosanky, Texas was convicted by U.S. District Chief Judge James E. Boasberg following a bench trial in District Court for the District of Columbia, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia. His sentencing is slated for December 20.
The charges against Reed included a felony offense of civil disorder and various misdemeanors: entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building. Evidence presented during the trial illustrated Reed’s participation as part of the Proud Boys' organized efforts during the events that unfolded at the Capitol. He was involved in breaking through barriers and clashing with officers to gain entry into the building while a session of Congress was underway to certify the 2020 presidential election results.
As the crowd progressed, Reed was seen at the forefront, removing barricades and confronting law enforcement officers. The struggle led to an officer falling to the ground and the mob including Reed, eventually breaching the Capitol building itself. Reed entered the Capitol through the Senate Wing Door, which had broken glass from the rioting and was in chaos for approximately 16 minutes before exiting through the East Rotunda Door.
Post-exit, Reed continued his disruptive activities on the East front of Capitol grounds, climbing on top of law enforcement vehicles, and destroying a “Police Lives Matter” flag. The FBI’s San Antonio and Washington Field Offices handled the investigation, with the New York Field Office and several police departments assisting. Since the January 6 insurrection, there have been over 1,504 individuals charged in connection with the breach, including more than 560 with felonies for assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The case against Reed was prosecuted by the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice National Security Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
