This page provides a factual, up-to-date status overview of arrests related to the January 6 United States Capitol attack. It summarizes who has been arrested, the charges filed, plea outcomes, sentences, and current status for each individual processed by the Department of Justice. The information is compiled from court records, DOJ announcements, and reputable news reporting.
Key Arrests and Charges in the January 6 Cases
Following the January 6 riot, federal authorities arrested hundreds of individuals for offenses ranging from civil disorder to more specific charges such as assaulting or impeding law enforcement, obstruction of an official proceeding, and theft of government property. While many cases were resolved through plea agreements, others proceeded to trial or resulted in ongoing litigation. Below is a summary of notable defendants, their charges, and their current legal status.
Notable Defendants and Their Cases
| Name | Primary Charge(s) | Guilty Verdict / Plea | Sentence | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacob Chansley (QAnon Shaman) | Seditious conspiracy, obstruction, disorderly conduct | Guilty on obstruction and disorderly conduct; seditious conspiracy acquitted | 41 months | Released; sentence completed |
| Dominic Pezzola | Seditious conspiracy, obstruction, theft of government property | Mistrial on seditious conspiracy; guilty on obstruction and theft | 10-year resentenced (2025); committed to custody | In custody |
| Joseph Biggs | Conspiracy, obstructing an official proceeding, civil disorder | Guilty | 17 years | In custody |
| Zachary Rehl | Conspiracy, obstructing an official proceeding, civil disorder, aiding and abetting | Guilty | 15 years | In custody |
| Ryan Samsel | Obstructing an official proceeding, civil disorder, assaulting a law enforcement officer | Guilty | 54 months | In custody |
| Ethan Nordean | Conspiracy, obstructing an official proceeding, civil disorder | Guilty | 18 years | In custody |
| Robert Palmer | Obstructing an official proceeding, civil disorder, theft of government property | Guilty | 43 months | In custody |
| Kevin Greeson | Conspiracy, civil disorder, obstruction | Guilty | 33 months | Released; sentence completed |
| Scott Fairlamb | Obstructing an official proceeding, civil disorder, theft of government property | Guilty | 41 months | Released; sentence completed |
| Tammy Lynn Bamford | Obstructing an official proceeding, civil disorder | Guilty | 24 months | Released; sentence completed |
| Rodney James Schamerhorn | Obstructing an official proceeding, civil disorder | Guilty | 18 months | Released; sentence completed |
| D.J. Primeaux | Obstructing an official proceeding, civil disorder | Guilty | 18 months | Released; sentence completed |
| Matthew W. Wright | Obstructing an official proceeding, civil disorder | Guilty | 30 days | Released; sentence completed |
| Alfred J. Phillips Jr. | Obstructing an official proceeding, civil disorder | Guilty | 30 days | Released; sentence completed |
Overview of Charges in January 6 Cases
The most common charges in January 6 prosecutions include obstruction of an official proceeding, civil disorder, and assaulting or impeding law enforcement. Seditious conspiracy has been charged in a small number of cases, often alongside other counts. Additional charges have included theft of government property, parading, demonstrating, or picketing in Capitol grounds, and making false statements. The range of sentences reflects variations in roles, levels of participation, and whether individuals cooperated with investigations.
Current Status Patterns Across Cases
As of the latest publicly available information, defendants in the January 6 prosecutions fall into several patterns: some have completed their sentences and been released, others remain in custody pending sentencing or while appealing convictions, and a smaller number have ongoing litigation (e.g., retrials or appeals on specific counts). Plea agreements have frequently resulted in reduced charges and shorter sentences compared to potential maximum penalties. The following list summarizes current status categories observed across the docket:
- In custody: serving sentence or held pending appeal/sentencing
- Released: sentence completed or released under supervision
- Ongoing litigation: appeals, retrials, or pending motions
- Prosecution terminated: charges dropped or nolle prossed by the government
Context and Judicial Process Timeline
The Department of Justice launched a coordinated effort to prosecute participants in the January 6 attack shortly after the event. Initial arrests focused on identifiable individuals captured on video, with subsequent arrests expanding as investigators reviewed footage and evidence. Charging decisions evolved as prosecutors pursued both broad conspiracy allegations and specific acts of violence or obstruction. Key milestones include early guilty pleas that set precedents for sentencing, high-profile trials with mixed verdicts, and ongoing appellate review of seditious conspiracy convictions. Sentencing has varied widely based on factors such as violence, leadership role, and cooperation.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many people have been arrested in connection with January 6?
Hundreds of individuals have been arrested; the Justice Department has publicly charged over 1,300 defendants in connection with the January 6 attack. Many have been processed through the courts, with a significant portion resolving through plea agreements.
What are the most common charges for January 6 defendants?
Obstruction of an official proceeding and civil disorder are the most common charges. Additional counts include assaulting or impeding law enforcement, theft of government property, and, in limited instances, seditious conspiracy.
What is the typical sentence for January 6 participants?
Sentences vary widely. First‑time, low-level participants often receive sentences under five years, sometimes resulting in probation or short prison terms. More severe cases involving violence, leadership roles, or obstruction of law enforcement have resulted in sentences exceeding 10 years.
Are any high‑profile defendants still in litigation?
As of the latest available information, most high‑profile cases have reached verdicts or plea resolutions. Certain appeals and retrials continue for specific defendants on selected counts.
Where can I find official information about ongoing cases?
For authoritative updates, the Department of Justice’s January 6 prosecutions page and individual court dockets provide case-specific information. Court records and public court filings are also available via the PACER system.