Texas Man Convicted On All Charges In Capitol Riot Case

WASHINGTON, DC — A Texas man has been convicted on all charges in federal court in the first trial among hundreds likely to come in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol Riots.

Guy Wesley Reffitt, a 49-year-old man from Wylie, Texas, was convicted of obstruction of an official proceeding, being unlawfully present on Capitol grounds while armed with a firearm, transporting firearms during a civil disorder, interfering with law enforcement officers during a civil disorder, and obstructing justice during the trial, which began Wednesday.

The jury deliberated for three hours.

Prosecutors accused Reffitt of storming the Capitol with a holstered handgun, interfering with police officers at the Senate doors and threatening his two children in an attempt to keep them from telling authorities about his involvement in the insurrection.

Prosecutors told the jury Reffitt drove to Washington, DC, intending to stop Congress from certifying then President-elect Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 presidential election.

Reffitt was one of the people at the head of the mob of rioters but never made it inside the Capitol building itself after he was repelled by pepper spray. U.S. Assistant Attorney Risa Berkower argued in closing statements that he “lit the fire” that helped others overwhelm police officers and gain access to the building.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

This story is being updated.