Justin LaGesse, a 37-year-old man from McLeansboro, Illinois, was sentenced to 11 months in prison for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot. In addition to the prison sentence, LaGesse was ordered to pay $43,315 in restitution and will serve 12 months of supervised release. LaGesse had pleaded guilty to a felony charge of destruction of government property in September 2024.
On January 6, 2021, LaGesse participated in the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Along with Theodore Middendorf, who also pleaded guilty to destruction of government property, LaGesse used a flagpole to smash a window near the Capitol’s North Door. As the two men attempted to enter the building, they damaged the window with multiple strikes, and both were involved in harassing law enforcement officers who were attempting to stop the rioters.
Surveillance footage captured LaGesse and Middendorf waving flags and chanting “U.S.A.” in the Capitol building after they managed to enter through a broken window. They were seen in the Senate Wing Door lobby area before exiting and approaching a line of Metropolitan Police officers. As they neared the officers, LaGesse shouted insults, calling them “f—ing traitors” and “fing communist scum.” This verbal assault continued for several minutes while Middendorf stood nearby.
The damage to the Capitol, specifically the window that LaGesse and Middendorf destroyed, was estimated by the Architect of the Capitol to be $41,315.25. LaGesse was arrested by the FBI in January 2024, and his conviction marks one of many related to the Capitol riot. Over 1,500 individuals have been charged in connection with the events of January 6, 2021, with more than 600 of them facing charges related to assaulting or obstructing law enforcement officers.
LaGesse’s case highlights the ongoing consequences of the Capitol attack, which has led to a significant number of arrests and convictions. In addition to the legal ramifications, the incident has sparked a national debate about the nature of the protests and the severity of the punishments for those involved.
There has been discussion surrounding potential pardons for those convicted in connection with the Capitol riot. President-elect Donald Trump has previously stated his intention to pardon individuals involved in the insurrection once he is in office. However, the details of these plans remain unclear. Vice President-elect JD Vance recently weighed in on the matter, clarifying that individuals who committed violent acts during the riot, like LaGesse, should not be pardoned. Vance emphasized that those who engaged in peaceful protest should have their records cleared, but violent offenders should face the full consequences of their actions.
The case of Justin LaGesse serves as a reminder of the intense political and legal fallout from the events of January 6, 2021. It underscores the continuing efforts to hold individuals accountable for their role in the attack on the Capitol and the damage it caused to both the physical structure and the democratic process.
