Image by Richard Burton from Pixabay 

May 31, 2024 – WASHINGTON - An Oklahoma man pleaded guilty on Thursday to assaulting law enforcement during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. 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.

Benjamen Scott Burlew, 44, of Miami, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to a felony offense of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers before U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss. Judge Moss will sentence Burlew on Sept. 20, 2024.

According to court documents, on Jan. 6, 2021, Burlew was present on the Lower West Terrace area of the U.S. Capitol grounds where Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers had formed a defensive line behind a row of metal barricades. While pointing at an MPD officer, Burlew yelled, “Let’s get that m—f— right there.” He then approached the barricades, grabbed an MPD officer, and attempted to pull the officer into the crowd of rioters.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma provided valuable assistance. 

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

In the 40 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,424 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 500 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.

Source: DOJ Release