WASHINGTON – Adrian Schmidt, a 26-year-old from Cincinnati, Ohio, has pleaded guilty to a felony charge of civil disorder related to his involvement in the January 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. The breach disrupted a joint session of Congress that was in process to certify the 2020 presidential election results.
U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes accepted Schmidt’s guilty plea and has scheduled sentencing for September 10, 2024. Court documents reveal that Schmidt traveled from Cincinnati to Washington, D.C., to participate in a rally and subsequently joined the mob that pushed past barricades around the Capitol.
Details provided in the court documents indicate that Schmidt was actively involved in the day’s events. After breaching the Peace Circle Monument barricades, he led chants, scaled a black metal fence, and was among the first to confront Capitol Police officers on the West Plaza. He recorded these moments on his cellphone, including instances where he directly confronted and impeded police officers.
At approximately 2:45 p.m., Schmidt entered the Capitol through the Upper West Terrace Doors, celebrated by raising his fist. He briefly left the building and re-entered, remaining until forced out by officers around 3:30 p.m.
Schmidt was arrested by the FBI on July 28, 2023, following an investigation into his actions during the Capitol riot. His case is part of a larger investigation into the January 6 events, which seeks to hold accountable those who illegally breached and disrupted the Congressional proceedings.
