U.S. Attorney Damian Williams | U.S. Department of Justice
A New York man has been arrested on charges stemming from his alleged involvement in the events of January 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol. Walter Joseph Wentland, aged 31 and a resident of Sparrow Bush, New York, faces a felony charge for obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder and several misdemeanor charges related to entering restricted areas and engaging in disruptive conduct.
Wentland was apprehended by the FBI in New York and is set to make his initial court appearance in the Southern District of New York. According to court documents, he is affiliated with the Hudson Valley New York Proud Boys and was identified through images and video footage taken on January 6, 2021. The footage shows him marching with other members towards the Capitol building.
During this march, Wentland allegedly confronted law enforcement officers within the restricted perimeter using a bullhorn to express disdain for their actions. He reportedly continued towards a walkway near the Northwest Stairs as Metropolitan Police Officers moved in to secure the area. It is claimed that Wentland physically engaged with multiple officers during this time.
Wentland then advanced onto the Upper West Terrace and entered the Capitol building through the Senate Wing Door at approximately 2:26 p.m., exiting shortly thereafter through a broken window next to that door.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by both the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Support came from various agencies including those from New York.
Since January 6, 2021, over 1,561 individuals across nearly all states have faced charges related to Capitol breach activities. This includes more than 590 charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement officers. The investigation continues.
Individuals with information are encouraged to contact authorities via phone or online submissions.
It should be noted that these charges are allegations at this stage; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
