North Carolina Man Sentenced For Offenses Committed During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

Defendant Inspired Rioters to Battle Legislation Enforcement Officers

            WASHINGTON – A North Carolina man was sentenced at this time to 5 months in jail for a felony cost associated to his actions in the course of the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, which disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress that was within the strategy of ascertaining and counting the electoral votes associated to the presidential election.

            Lewis Easton Cantwell, 36, of Waynesville, North Carolina, pleaded responsible on March 24, 2022, within the District of Columbia, to obstructing, impeding, or interfering with legislation enforcement officers in the course of the fee of civil dysfunction. In keeping with court docket paperwork, on Jan. 6, Cantwell joined different rioters on the entrance of one of many entrances into the Capitol and used his cellphone to make a number of video recordings of people battling with legislation enforcement officers. Throughout one of many recordings, he yelled for rioters to “get the door open.” At one other level, he yelled that they wanted “contemporary patriots to the entrance.” At occasions, Cantwell may be seen collaborating within the mob rocking forwards and backwards whereas others chanted “heave ho” as they pushed towards police.  He additionally helped propel a flagpole towards the Decrease West Terrace tunnel, the place quite a lot of objects had been used to assault police.  Cantwell recorded a number of movies whereas on restricted grounds of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.  In a single video, estimated to be taken between 2:15 p.m. and a couple of:40 p.m.  Cantwell filmed himself as he stated, “we’ve primarily stormed the Capitol constructing … we’re bored with the bullshit.” In one other video from the identical time and areas, Cantwell proclaimed, “liberty or loss of life.” Cantwell remained contained in the Decrease West Terrace tunnel from his arrival at 2:40 p.m. till roughly 3:18 p.m., when police had been capable of push rioters out of the tunnel (albeit briefly). Cantwell remained on the Decrease West Terrance till a minimum of 4:18 p.m. When interviewed by the FBI, Cantwell claimed he went to the doorways of the Capitol to “assist” folks.  In a put up to his Fb web page, Cantwell asserted he helped folks and protesters; that there was no main property harm completed; and that he handled folks with love and respect. 

            Along with the time period of incarceration, upon launch Cantwell will serve a 36-month time period of supervised launch and pay restitution within the quantity of $2,000. 

            The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Lawyer’s Workplace for the District of Columbia and the Division of Justice Nationwide Safety Division’s Counterterrorism Part. Helpful help was supplied by the U.S. Lawyer’s Workplace for the Western District of North Carolina.

            The case was investigated by the FBI’s Charlotte Area Workplace Asheville Resident Company and the FBI’s Washington Area Workplace, which recognized Cantwell as #143 on its in search of data photographs.  Helpful help was supplied by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Division.

            Within the 22 months since Jan. 6, practically 900 people have been arrested in practically all 50 states for crimes associated to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, together with greater than 275 people charged with assaulting or impeding legislation enforcement. The investigation stays ongoing.

            Anybody with suggestions can name 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or go to suggestions.fbi.gov.