Thurmont Man Convicted For His Role In Attack On US Capitol

He will be sentenced In December.

Washington DC (KM) Sentencing is scheduled for December 13th, 2024 for a Thurmont man who was convicted for his role in the January 6th, 2021 attack on the US Capitol. Following a three-day bench trial, a US District Court Judge on Tuesday found Adam Ryan Obest, 43, guilty of two felony charges, including civil disorder, and assaulting, resisting or impeding a law enforcement officer. The US Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia says Obest was also found guilty of several misdemeanor offenses. They include entering and remaining in a restricted part of the Capitol, and engaging in physical violence in a restricted area.

Prosecutors say Obest attended the “Stop the Steal” rally where participants were protesting the results of the 2020 election.  He  then made his way toward the US Capitol. Obest arrived at the West Terrace, and was seen in video footage holding a large American flag affixed to a flagpole. Obest raised the  flagpole above his head, and brought it down against a line of police officers before another officer tried to confiscate  the flagpole, the US Attorney’s Office says..

Federal officials also say Obest tried to take a baton out of a Metropolitan Police Officer’s hand, and threw a smoke grenade at law enforcement.

He was arrested on June 13, 2023 in Maryland by FBI Agents.

The disturbances at the US Capitol interrupted members of Congress who were ascertaining and counting the electoral votes from the 2020 election.

The US Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia says it’s been 43 months since the attack on the Capitol, and more than 1,488 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 state in connection with this incident.  That includes 550 persons charged with assault or impeding law enforcement.

By Kevin McManus