Image provider richard burton from pixabay
February 25, 2024 – WASHINGTON – An Arizona man was sentenced Thursday, February 22, 2024, on two felony charges related to his actions during the January 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to certify and count electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.
Jacob Zirkle, 51, of Bowie, Arizona, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton to 24 months in prison and 36 months of supervised release. Mr. Zirkle pleaded guilty on October 30, 2023, to charges of insurrection and assaulting, resisting and obstructing certain police officers, both felonies.
According to court documents, Zirkle traveled from her home in Arizona with her brother to protest “election integrity” in Washington, D.C., on January 6, 2021. On the morning of January 6, Zirkle headed to the National Mall to attend a rally. A vocal group consisting of approximately 75 to 100 members, including Proud Boys leader Joe Biggs, Charles Donohoe, Ethan Nordean, and Zachary Rehl. While former President Trump's “Stop the Steal” rally was still underway, Zirkle and his group walked east from the Ellipse adjacent to the White House, past the Washington Monument, to the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. Ta.
At some point before the group circled the north side of the Capitol, proceeded to a large plaza on the east side and returned to the peace circle, Mr. Zirkle split from the group. Between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m., Zirkle entered a restricted area of ​​the Capitol grounds through the Pennsylvania Trail, crossed the lawn on the northwest side of the Capitol grounds, and joined other rioters. There, he and others witnessed rioters ascending a nearby northwest staircase toward the first floor of the Capitol. During this time, Zirkle joined the crowd in chanting “Good luck” toward the Capitol.
Then, around 2 p.m., Zirkle attacked a group of Metropolitan Police Department officers who had arrived at the northwest end of the grounds as the force was en route to the Capitol to assist and reinforce US Capitol Police (USCP). They outnumbered the crowd that gathered in the West Square of the Capitol.
According to court documents, between 1:59 p.m. and 2:04 p.m., he physically engaged with the officers as they attempted to move through the crowd toward Zarkle and others in the crowd. , allegedly made intentional physical contact. At least three officers placed their hands on the officer and forcibly pushed him. Zirkle yelled at the officers, calling them “traitors.” The actions of Zerkle and other rioters delayed officers from responding to the Capitol as ordered.
The FBI arrested Zirkle on March 15, 2022 in Arizona.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice's National Security Division Counterterrorism Division prosecuted the case. The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona provided valuable assistance.
The FBI's Phoenix and Washington field offices investigated the incident. The Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Capitol Police provided invaluable assistance.
In the 37 months beginning January 6, 2021, more than 1,313 people in nearly all 50 states were charged with crimes related to the Capitol invasion, including felony assault and obstruction of law enforcement. This includes over 469 people charged with crimes. The investigation is still ongoing.
Anyone with tips should call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.
Source: Department of Justice release
