Another Florida man pleaded guilty to a felony charge related to his conduct during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. 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.
37-year-old Ryan K. Yates, of Holiday, Florida near Tampa Bay, pleaded guilty in the District of Columbia to one count of civil disorder, a felony. U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden will sentence Yates on June 12, 2024.
According to court documents, on Jan. 6, 2021, Yates entered the restricted area around the United States Capitol building and stood outside the building, along the northwest corner, near the scaffolding that was set up for the upcoming Inauguration. Yates pushed away barricades that had been set up to block protesters from reaching the Capitol and entered the building at approximately 2:17pm via the Senate Wing Doors.
Yates then made his way down the Statuary Hall Connector and to the House side of the building, where he stood near a group of rioters as they tried to break into the House floor. Yates also traveled to the Capitol Rotunda and Crypt. Around 3:20pm, Yates went to the interior Rotunda door, which connects the Rotunda to the east entrance of the Capitol.
As rioters rushed from the outside to get into the Rotunda, Yates joined in the effort. Yates began to pump his fist as rioters streamed into the Capitol and joined as the crowd surged forward. He worked his way to the front of the group and, along with a handful of other rioters, pushed against police to enter the Rotunda itself before officers were able to close the door. Inside the Rotunda, surrounded by police, Yates was escorted out of the building with his arms raised. Later in the day, Yates remained on the Capitol grounds, within the restricted area.
FBI agents arrested Yates on Sept. 26, 2023, in Tampa, Florida.
This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Tampa and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.
In the 37 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,313 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 469 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 submit online.
