Antony Vo, a former Indiana resident involved in the January 6 Capitol riot, faces additional legal consequences after fleeing to Canada to avoid serving his prison sentence. Vo, who had been convicted for his participation in the attack, was sentenced to nine months in prison but failed to report to serve his sentence. Instead, he attempted to apply for asylum in Canada, citing the belief that a change in U.S. political leadership might lead to a pardon for his actions.
Vo, 32, was arrested on January 6, 2025, in Whistler, British Columbia, after Canadian border agents apprehended him for illegally entering the country. He had been attempting to escape U.S. justice by seeking asylum, claiming that his conviction was part of a political conspiracy and that he had been unfairly treated compared to other protesters. Vo’s arrest occurred on the anniversary of the Capitol riot, and he was charged with “failure to surrender for sentence.” This new charge could lead to an additional year in prison, adding to his original sentence.
Vo’s troubles began when he was convicted for his role in the Capitol insurrection, which included charges of entering or remaining in a restricted building, disorderly conduct, violent entry, and parading or demonstrating in the Capitol building. He was granted an extension to report to prison, with a new surrender date set for June 14, 2024. However, he failed to comply and instead fled to Canada, where he reportedly lived with his mother. His mother, who also participated in the January 6 riot, faces her own federal charges related to the event and is awaiting trial.
Vo’s attempt to seek asylum in Canada was based on his belief that he was a victim of political persecution. He expressed his hope that former President Donald Trump, once back in office, would issue pardons to those involved in the January 6 events. Vo was confident that he would be pardoned, describing his situation as a case of being misrepresented and entrapped by the government.
Before his arrest, Vo had spoken to media outlets, claiming that he was 99 percent sure he would receive a pardon. He believed the entire January 6 incident had been politicized, and he felt that he had been treated unfairly compared to other protesters. He also suggested that the incoming administration would reverse the policies of the previous government, leading to the eventual pardon of individuals like him.
Vo’s capture in Canada marks a significant development in his case, as he now faces both the original charges related to the Capitol riot and the new charge of fleeing justice. The Canadian authorities are in the process of handling his removal, as Vo’s illegal entry into the country violated Canada’s immigration laws. His case highlights the continuing legal battles faced by many individuals involved in the January 6 insurrection, with some still attempting to evade consequences for their actions.
