N.J. Man Sentenced on Felony Assault Charge for Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

            WASHINGTON — A New Jersey man was sentenced today on a felony charge for assaulting a law enforcement officer during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

            Salvatore Vassallo, 60, of Toms River, N.J., was sentenced to 18 months in prison and 36 months of supervised release for assaulting, resisting, or impeding law enforcement officers. He pleaded guilty on May 11, 2023.

            According to court documents, on Jan. 6, 2021, Vassallo illegally entered the Capitol grounds. He then hopped over a rail and joined a mob that was confronting law enforcement officers on the Upper West Terrace of the Capitol, near the Senate Wing Door and the Senate Fire Door. At approximately 4:26 p.m., Vassallo emerged from the crowd and faced a line of police officers. Several seconds later, he abruptly charged at an officer with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who was in the process of assisting other officers. Vassallo grabbed and pushed the officer with what appeared to be a significant amount of force. Moments later, he departed from that area.

            This case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.

            This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, which identified Vassallo as #338 on its seeking information photos, and the FBI’s Newark Field Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

            In the 32 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,100 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 398 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

            Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.