North Carolina Man Found Guilty in First Attack on Capitol
A North Carolina man, James Tate Grant, has been found guilty of multiple felonies and misdemeanors for his involvement in the first attack on police at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Alongside four other men, Grant led the initial breach of the restricted Capitol grounds and launched the first attack on U.S. Capitol Police officers, according to FBI criminal complaints.
Their actions were the catalyst for thousands of rioters storming the Capitol grounds, as stated by the U.S. Attorney’s office in Washington, D.C. Grant, a 31-year-old resident of Cary, was convicted of civil disorder, assaulting an officer with a deadly weapon, obstruction of an official proceeding, and other charges.
Role in the Attack
Grant played a significant role in the attack, following closely behind another defendant, 40-year-old Ryan Samsel, who breached the first barricade onto restricted grounds. Grant then encouraged the crowd to advance onto the restricted grounds, according to the FBI. Alongside Samsel, Grant forcibly pushed and pulled on a second barricade, and they used a metal bike rack barricade to assault U.S. Capitol Police officers. The officer suffered a concussion from the force of the impact, while another officer was driven several feet backward.
The Riot in the Capitol Building
After breaching the barricades, Grant and the other defendants continued to fuel the riot by entering the Capitol building. Grant was captured on video storming the halls with other rioters and was recorded in the office of U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley. His actions contributed to the overwhelming of the police line, forcing the officers to retreat toward the Capitol building.
Sentencing and Previous Offenses
Grant’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 13. It is worth noting that he has previously pleaded guilty to charges related to entering certain rooms in the Capitol building and engaging in disruptive conduct. Additionally, Grant has faced legal trouble in the past, as he was charged with driving while impaired and found in possession of an AR-15 rifle and ammunition.
Conclusion
The conviction of James Tate Grant serves as a reminder of the consequences individuals face for their role in the attack on the Capitol. As investigations continue, it is crucial to hold those responsible accountable for their actions and ensure that justice is served.
This story was originally published on February 3, 2024, 1:01 PM.
Read More of this Story at www.charlotteobserver.com – 2024-02-03 18:01:00
Read More US Politics
