GAITHERSBURG, MD — Justin Lee, a Montgomery County police officer, was found guilty on Friday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the United States Capitol. The verdict was delivered by Judge Trevor McFadden in a bench trial.
Lee, who was indicted in October 2023, faced two felony charges related to his actions during the attack on the Capitol. At the time of his indictment, Lee was on administrative leave following his involvement in the July 2023 fatal shooting of an armed suspect. The Maryland Attorney General’s office reviewed the incident and chose not to pursue charges against him. Since the shooting, Lee had not resumed his duties as a police officer.
Lee’s participation in the January 6 insurrection occurred before he was hired by the Montgomery County Department of Police. Following the guilty verdict, Lee has been relieved of his police powers and, under Maryland law, will no longer be employed by the department.
“The department remains committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct and accountability,” the Montgomery County Department of Police said in a statement. The department emphasized its dedication to professionalism, integrity, and serving the best interests of the community.