In Kansas City, Missouri, a member of the Proud Boys who participated in storming the U.S. Capitol as part of the far-right group has admitted to obstructing the joint session of Congress responsible for certifying Joe Biden’s 2020 electoral victory. The individual pleaded guilty on Monday.
During the riot that took place at the Capitol on January 6th, 2021, William Chrestman, aged 49, pleaded guilty to the charge of threatening to assault a federal officer.
On January 12, U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly will be responsible for determining the sentence for Chrestman, who was found guilty of two felonies. According to the estimated sentencing guidelines, Chrestman’s case suggests a prison term of four to five years.
When the man from Olathe, Kansas traveled to Washington, D.C. with other Proud Boys members from the Kansas City area, he made sure to bring along tactical gear such as an axe handle, gas mask, and helmet.
Accompanied by several other leaders, members, and associates of the Proud Boys, he marched towards the Capitol grounds on January 6th.
According to prosecutors, Chrestman, alongside other members of the Proud Boys, proceeded to bypass a toppled metal barricade and joined the rioters in front of yet another police barrier. He was heard delivering a threat to the officers and encouraging fellow rioters to prevent the police from arresting one of their own.
With the crowd before him, Chrestman raised his voice and asked, “Whose house is this?” according to reports.
The gathering responded in unison, exclaiming, “Our home!”
Chrestman inquired, “Would you like your house returned to you?”
Their response was an enthusiastic “Yes!”
Chrestman shouted, “Take it!”
As per reports, Chrestman utilized his axe handle to stop the barrier from closing and trapping people in the tunnels beneath the Capitol building.
According to prosecutors, Chrestman played a significant role in leading the Proud Boys from Kansas City during the Capitol riot. He served as their primary coordinator, leading them around the Capitol building and grounds in an effort to disrupt police. In a court filing from February 2021, prosecutors stated that Chrestman “assumed a de facto leadership role” for the group during the event. The filing also revealed that Chrestman was responsible for coordinating the Proud Boys’ efforts to cause chaos and disturbance.
According to the prosecutors, the defendant not only hindered law enforcement’s attempts to safeguard the Capitol but also supported the armed and prolonged seizure of the U.S. Capitol by the insurrectionists. Furthermore, they encouraged others to do the same, thereby aggravating the situation.
On the day of the Capitol riot, Chrestman was caught on camera having a conversation with Ethan Nordean, the leader of the Proud Boys chapter.
Nordean and three other members of the Proud Boys, including former national chairman Enrique Tarrio, were found guilty by a jury of seditious conspiracy. Prosecutors claimed that they had conspired to prevent the peaceful transfer of power from Donald Trump to Joe Biden after the 2020 election.
Since his arrest in February 2021, Chrestman, a veteran of the U.S. Army, has been held in custody.
“Your honor, it has been a lengthy process,” stated his attorney Edward Martin to the judge.
Chrestman has been indicted by a grand jury on six counts, which includes a conspiracy charge. As per the reports, this indictment has been made by the authorities in connection to the Capitol riot incident.
According to the prosecutors, Chrestman has been suspected of attempting to hide his involvement in the riot by getting rid of the clothes and gear he wore on January 6th and entrusting his firearms to someone else.
Chrestman will have to remain in detention while waiting for trial, as U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell issued an order for his detainment. This ruling was upheld by Kelly in July 2021, ensuring that Chrestman will not be released before his trial.
Along with other Proud Boys members and associates, Chrestman faced charges.
In November of last year, Ryan Ashlock, a co-defendant in the case, pleaded guilty to a trespassing charge and was sentenced to 70 days of incarceration. As reported by Fox4KC, Ashlock’s case is one of several related to the January 6th riot at the US Capitol.
Christopher Kuehne and Louis Enrique Colon, two individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol riot, have pleaded guilty to civil disorder charges. They are currently awaiting separate sentencing hearings.
