John Thomas Gordon's Actions Fueled Disruption of Joint Session
Sentence Handed Down in U.S. Capitol Breach Case
John Thomas Gordon, 47, of Davis, West Virginia was sentenced on Monday, March 13, 2023
for his role in the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. The joint session of Congress was convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes for the 2020 presidential election when Gordon's actions and the actions of others disrupted the proceedings.
U.S. District Court Judge Rudolph Contreras sentenced Gordon to six months in prison for interfering with law enforcement officers during the civil disorder. He was also ordered to 24 months of supervised release with the first 6 months of home confinement and restitution in the amount of $2,000.
Court Documents Describe Gordon's Actions
According to court documents, Gordon was on the Capitol grounds and was part of the violence outside the North Door of the Capitol which began shortly after 4 pm. Police officers inside the doors were attempting to secure the building when Gordon began throwing a heavy projectile at the door, kicking it in attempts to destroy it and yelling obscenities at the officers.
The crowd of rioters cheered as Gordon continued throwing the projectile at least four times. Gordon was arrested on July 8, 2022 in Martinsburg, West Virginia.
Long-term Investigations Continue
The investigation is still ongoing and over the course of 26 months, more than 999 individuals have been arrested in almost all 50 states in connection with the breach of the Capitol. In addition to Gordon, more than 320 individuals have been charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement.
To assist in the ongoing investigation, the public is encouraged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or visit tips.fbi.gov. The Department of Justice ensures that victims of crimes are treated with fairness, respect and compassion.
