Pennsylvania Man Arrested for Assault on Law Enforcement During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

A Pennsylvania man was arrested yesterday for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, which disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress that was in the process of ascertaining and counting the electoral votes related to the presidential election.

Michael James Dickinson, 30, of Philadelphia, is charged with federal offenses that include assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers; civil disorder; and engaging in physical violence on restricted grounds. Dickinson made his initial appearance in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on yesterday afternoon.

According to court documents, Dickinson was at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 where he was captured on Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) body-worn camera (BWC) and open source video footage throwing items at law enforcement. Specifically, the footage shows Dickinson throwing what appears to be a coffee tumbler at law enforcement. Later video shows Dickinson picking up a large bucket filled with liquid and throwing the liquid and the bucket at law enforcement officers who appeared to be attempting to clear rioters from Capitol grounds.

The case is being 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 Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office, as well as the Metropolitan Police Department, with significant assistance provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and FBI’s Washington Field Office.

In the eight months since Jan. 6, more than 600 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including at least 185 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.

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

The charges contained in any criminal complaint or indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.