WASHINGTON, DC – Cameron Edward Hess, a 27-year-old from Cleona, Pennsylvania, entered a guilty plea today in connection with his actions during the U.S. Capitol breach on January 6, 2021. This disturbance interrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress tasked with validating the electoral votes of the 2020 presidential election.
Before U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth in the District of Columbia, Hess admitted guilt to the felony charge of obstructing or interfering with law enforcement officers during a civil disorder. A sentencing hearing has been set for February 26, 2024.
Evidence from closed-circuit television (CCTV) and open-source video revealed Hess’s involvement in the riot. He was seen entering the U.S. Capitol illegally through the East Rotunda doors. Though initially pushed out by police, Hess forcibly re-entered at around 3:24 p.m., amidst the chaos caused by rioters. Later, Hess physically confronted a Metropolitan Police Officer while attempting to hold open the Rotunda doors. After a brief struggle, officers managed to remove Hess from the premises. He was arrested on March 1, 2023.
The final sentence will be determined after an assessment of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant factors.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are leading the prosecution. Assistance was given by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
The investigation is jointly undertaken by the FBI Philadelphia Field Office’s Capital Area Resident Agency and the Washington Field Office. The U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department also provided invaluable support.