Image by Richard Burton from Pixabay 

Defendant Interfered with Officers Attempting to Block the Mob 

November 22, 2023 - WASHINGTON - A Virginia man was found guilty in the District of Columbia on Tuesday of felony and misdemeanor charges related to his actions during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol breach. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

Jeremy Groseclose, 41, of Elliston, VA., was found guilty, following a bench trial in U.S. District Court, of civil disorder and obstruction of an official proceeding, both felonies. In addition to the felonies, Groseclose was convicted of disorderly conduct in a Capitol building and parading, demonstration, or picketing in a Capitol building, both misdemeanor offenses.

According to the government’s evidence, on Jan. 6, 2021, Groseclose was among a mob of rioters illegally on the Capitol grounds. During his time inside the Capitol building, Groseclose wore a gas mask and a distinctive outfit that included a black jacket with white and red stripes, a maroon hooded sweatshirt, yellow-tinted glasses, and a black “beanie” style hat with lettering on the front. At least 18 video clips captured images of Groseclose as he roamed the building.

At 2:29 p.m., Groseclose interfered with U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) officers as they attempted to prevent the mob from progressing farther into the Capitol. As USCP tried to close a security door located on the east side of the Crypt, Groseclose and others prevented the door from closing by placing chairs, trash cans, and other objects under the door. Groseclose and others also used their hands to lift the door as it was closing. Ultimately, Groseclose and the mob prevented the door from closing and moved toward the retreating USCP officers.

Security footage captured Groseclose taking pictures and recording videos of the chaos inside the Capitol building. In particular, at about 2:39 p.m., Groseclose documented a physical struggle between law enforcement officers and a member of the crowd. Later, Groseclose captured an image of a dark red substance – believed to be blood -- on the floor of the Capitol Building just outside of the Rotunda. The images and videos that Groseclose appeared to capture were not found on his phone, and in the days following the riot, Groseclose sent messages to others discussing the deletion of evidence.

The FBI arrested Groseclose on Feb. 25, 2021, in Elliston, Va.

The Court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Valuable assistance was provided by U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia.

The case was investigated by the FBI’s Richmond and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

In the 34 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,200 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 400 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.