Michigan Resident Charged with Felony and Misdemeanors for Alleged Role in Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

A Michigan man is accused of being involved in the Capitol hack on January 6. Both felony and misdemeanor charges have been brought against Dylan James Smyth, 42, of Blanchard, Michigan, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Smyth is charged with engaging in destructive and obstructive actions that was intended to impede the congressional electoral vote counting process, but should not have done so.

Smyth is charged with several misdemeanors, including disorderly behavior and destruction of government property, in addition to the felony of obstructing law enforcement during a civil disturbance. Smyth, who is scheduled to appear in court for the first time in the Western District of Michigan, was allegedly among the group of people near the Washington Monument on that day and was seen beginning to violently tear down a barricade of a fence in publicly accessible video.

According to court documents, the complaint describes how Smyth pressed his weight against fence parts in spite of orders from law officials to stop. As a result of Smyth’s claimed actions, the police line was ultimately compelled to leave his location, making it more difficult for them to secure the Lower West Plaza.

This case went to trial as a result of investigations conducted by the FBI’s Detroit and Washington Field Offices, with crucial support from the U.S. Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department. Over 1,561 persons have been charged nationally since the historic events of January 6, including over 590 who were charged with serious felonies related to attacks or obstructing law police. The FBI still accepts tips via their online tip center and by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Smyth and other defendants are presumed innocent unless and unless they are found guilty in court. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, while the investigation progresses, this incident underscores the fragility of the democratic process and the necessity of maintaining the rule of law in times of social disturbance.

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