Pennsylvania man pleads guilty to assaulting law enforcement during Jan. 6 Capitol breach

by
September 8, 2024

WASHINGTON — A Pennsylvania man pleaded guilty Thursday to assaulting law enforcement with a dangerous weapon during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Joshua Lee Atwood, 31, of Burgettstown, Pa., admitted to assaulting officers defending the Capitol as rioters disrupted the certification of the 2020 presidential election results.

Atwood pleaded guilty to a felony charge of assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers using a dangerous weapon before U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 20, 2024.

According to court documents, Atwood attended the “Stop the Steal” rally on Jan. 6, before joining the crowd at the Capitol’s Lower West Terrace Tunnel. Atwood entered the Capitol through a broken window, threw objects at officers, and struck officers with a wooden pole and a police riot shield. He also used a canister of pepper spray on the officers until it was emptied, prosecutors said.

Atwood was arrested in Pennsylvania by the FBI on April 17, 2024.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

As the founder of Shore News Network, Stilton oversees editorial operations, investigative reporting, and breaking news coverage while working closely with journalists, public officials, and community leaders. His reporting has covered municipal government, state politics, federal policy, public records investigations, emergency management, and major news events affecting local communities.

Stilton is committed to factual reporting, source verification, transparency, and providing readers with accessible, accurate information that helps them better understand the issues shaping their communities. Through Shore News Network, he continues to focus on delivering trusted news coverage and original reporting to audiences across New Jersey and beyond.

For story tips, corrections, or media inquiries, readers can contact Shore News Network through its official website and social media channels.