FBI -- FBI NEWS: Department of Justice U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Columbia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, January 14, 2021

Utah Man Charged in Federal Court Following Events at the United States Capitol
           
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A Utah man was charged today in federal court in the District of Columbia in connection with the riots at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021.

            John Earle Sullivan was charged by complaint with one count of knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, one count of violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds, and one count of interfering with law enforcement engaged in the lawful performance of their official duties incident to and during the commission of civil disorder.  The defendant was arrested today in Utah.  

            The Complaint alleges that during the events at the U.S. Capitol, Sullivan, wearing a ballistics vest and gas mask, entered the U.S. Capitol through a window that had been broken out, pushing past U.S. Capitol Police once inside. The Complaint also alleges that Sullivan admits to filming and being depicted in video footage that shows him present, outside of the Speaker’s Lobby within the U.S. Capitol, at the shooting of a woman by a U.S. Capitol Police officer.

            The details contained in the charging documents are allegations.  Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

            The case is being prosecuted by the U.S Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.  The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Salt Lake City and Washington Field Offices, the U.S. Capitol Police Department, and the Metropolitan Police Department. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah.

            The ATF and FBI continue to urge the public to report suspected use of explosive devices, or violent, destructive acts associated with the recent unrest. Anyone with information can call 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email ATFTips@atf.gov or submit information anonymously via ReportIt.com.

            The FBI is looking for individuals who may have incited or promoted violence of any kind. Anyone with digital material or tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or submit images or videos at fbi.gov/USCapitol.

            The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Press Release Number: 
21-013