Police Officer Convicted of Throwing Smoke Bomb at Cops During Capitol Riot

A Maryland police officer on Friday was convicted of charges related to throwing a smoke bomb and other objects at police officers during the January 6, 2021, riot on the U.S. Capitol.

The Associated Press (AP) reported that U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden found Montgomery County Police Officer Justin Lee, 26, guilty of two felonies and three misdemeanors but acquitted Lee of two other misdemeanors of engaging in physical violence.

Prosecutors said Lee ignited and threw a smoke bomb into the tunnel entrance of the Capitol’s Lower West Terrace. A group of rioters were said to be attacking a group of police officers in the area where Lee threw the bomb, and it hit an officer’s shield before filling the mouth of the tunnel with smoke.

“No police officer should have to endure these attacks and provocations,” McFadden said during the court hearing, per AP.

Lee applied to become a police officer six months after the riot, and Montgomery County Police Department said he was hired one year after that attack on the Capitol. The department said it was not aware of his alleged involvement in the riot until learning of an FBI investigation in July 2023.

After Lee’s arrest last October, the Montgomery County Police Department announced he had been suspended without pay and said in a press release that it was “taking steps to terminate his employment.” The AP reported that Montgomery County Police Department spokesperson Shiera Goff said officials will continue with termination procedures following Lee’s conviction.

The Montgomery County Police Department also said Lee had been on administrative leave after he shot and killed a stabbing suspect in July 2023, but his unpaid suspension came after his October arrest on riot-related charges.

Lee is scheduled to sentenced on November 22.

Since the January 6 riots at the Capitol, over 1,400 individuals have been charged with federal crimes related to the Capitol riot, with more than 900 pleading guilty. Over 200 others have been convicted following trials by judge or jury.

Lee’s conviction follows another high-profile case this week involving a January 6 defendant.

On Wednesday, Kellye SoRelle, an attorney for the far-right organization the Oath Keepers pleaded guilty to charges relating to the Capitol riot.

During a hearing on Wednesday, 45-year-old SoRelle, of Granbury, Texas, pleaded guilty to one felony count of obstructing justice and one misdemeanor count of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds.

During the January 6 attack, SoRelle was seen in photographs alongside Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes. She also allegedly posted a message in the Oath Keepers Telegram chat during the riot that said: “We are acting like the founding fathers—can’t stand down. Per Stewart, and I concur.”