An Illinois man has entered a guilty plea for the assault of law enforcement officers during the January 6 Capitol riot, an event that became an inflection point in U.S. history. Robert Giacchetti, 59, of Crystal Lake faced Judge Emmet G. Sullivan and admitted to one count of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers during the chaos that unfolded as Congress met to certify the 2020 presidential election results, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Giacchetti's involvement in the Capitol breach began after attending a rally at the Ellipse, followed by his move to the Capitol where he was recorded using a bullhorn to launch profanities at police officers, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office. He entered the Capitol building, proceeding with the bullhorn to the Rotunda, and then onto the Senate Gallery where he continued to shout phrases such as "Where'd you go?!" and "Treason!"
The prosecution is led by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia in collaboration with the Department of Justice National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section. According to their press release Giacchetti also tangled with journalists outside the Capitol, destroying equipment from Associated Press and causing physical harm to a reporter in the process.
As the investigation, led by the FBI's Chicago and Washington Field Offices, continues, Giacchetti emerged as BOLO #201 among sought individuals. Sentencing for Giacchetti is set by Judge Sullivan for June 3, 2025. Since January 6, over 1,561 individuals have been charged—more than 590 of them for felonies relating to assaulting law enforcement, as detailed by the U.S. Attorney's Office. Tips for the ongoing investigation are encouraged, and can be submitted by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or visiting their website.
