A Pennsylvania man, Joshua Lee Atwood, has been sentenced to four years in prison for his violent actions during the January 6th Capitol riots.
Atwood, 31, attacked law enforcement officers with metal poles, wooden sticks, and even an officer’s helmet and riot shield while trying to disrupt the certification of the 2020 U.S. presidential election results.
What Happened During the January 6th Capitol Riots?
On January 6, 2021, Atwood participated in the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., alongside a large mob.
The riot aimed to prevent Congress from certifying Joe Biden’s victory in the presidential election.
During the chaos, Atwood became one of the most aggressive participants, using any available object to strike and injure police officers defending the Capitol.
Atwood’s actions that day included throwing poles, stabbing officers with sticks, and hurling various objects at the police.
As he fought, he yelled offensive slurs at the officers, calling them “pieces of s—” and accusing them of betraying the country.
His violent behavior, fueled by political anger, contributed to the larger effort to disrupt the democratic process in the Capitol.
The Legal Consequences
Following the attack, Atwood was arrested and charged with multiple crimes, including assaulting officers with dangerous weapons. He pled guilty to a felony charge. Prosecutors had requested a longer sentence of 63 months, citing the serious nature of his crimes. U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss, however, sentenced Atwood to 48 months in prison.
Atwood’s sentencing reflects the severity of his role in the Capitol riots. His violent behavior and the threat he posed to law enforcement officers showed the dangerous nature of the riot, which almost prevented the peaceful transfer of power in the United States.
Atwood’s Actions During the Riot
Atwood’s behavior during the riot was aggressive and reckless. He attacked officers with a long metal pole and a wooden stick, causing some injuries.
One of the officers was struck in the head and neck with a pole, while another was hit in the face.
Atwood continued to provoke the officers with offensive language, which added to the violence of the event.
He was also seen entering the Capitol building through a broken window. This was part of the larger wave of rioters who stormed the Capitol, causing widespread damage and forcing lawmakers to evacuate.
What Happened After the Riot?
A month after the Capitol riot, Atwood had another run-in with law enforcement. In February 2021, he was arrested for disorderly conduct in Hanover, Pennsylvania.
He was involved in a heated argument with officers and a tow truck driver, which escalated into a physical altercation.
Police found marijuana in his vehicle, and Atwood was fined after pleading guilty to disorderly conduct.
Atwood’s criminal activities didn’t end with the Capitol riot. In 2023, he was arrested again for robbery and malicious assault in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania.
His previous history, including his violent actions during the riot, led to his eventual identification in the FBI investigation.
FAQs
1. Why was Joshua Atwood sentenced to prison? Atwood was sentenced to four years in prison for assaulting police officers with dangerous weapons during the January 6th Capitol riots. He used metal poles, wooden sticks, and an officer’s riot shield to attack law enforcement.
2. What charges did Atwood face? Atwood faced felony charges for assaulting officers with dangerous weapons. He pled guilty to these charges, leading to his conviction and sentencing.
3. How did Atwood contribute to the January 6th riot? Atwood played a major role in the violence on January 6th by attacking police officers with various objects. His actions were part of a larger effort to disrupt the certification of the presidential election.
4. What happened to Atwood after the Capitol riot? After the riot, Atwood had more legal issues, including a disorderly conduct arrest in February 2021. In 2023, he was arrested again on charges of robbery and assault.
5. How was Atwood identified by the FBI? Atwood was identified by the FBI after a tipster recognized him from a 2011 mug shot. His prominent forehead scar helped authorities confirm his identity.
