U.S. Capitol insurrection: Who is the Utah videographer convicted of 5 felonies for January 6 riots

A Utah man was found guilty of numerous charges that purportedly related to his participation in the violent incidents that followed the U.S. Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. Charges against John Earl Sullivan included "obstructing an official proceeding" and "entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds with a dangerous weapon." A jury found Sullivan guilty of five felonies and two misdemeanors.

Who is Sullivan

Sullivan, who identifies as an activist-journalist, was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation on January 14, 2021. The charges against him included actions like obstructing officers during a civil disorder and disorderly conduct in a restricted building with a dangerous weapon. He was also found guilty of misdemeanor offenses related to his presence in the Capitol building, specifically "parading, demonstrating, or picketing" and "disorderly conduct."


The evidence presented during the trial painted a vivid picture of Sullivan's involvement. Prosecutors showcased footage of him entering the Capitol through a broken window, donned in a gas mask and ballistic vest, exclaiming, "We gotta get this (expletive) burned."

Furthermore, Sullivan reportedly declared, "They don't listen without that (expletive)," in response to fellow rioters discouraging violence. Shockingly, he offered a knife to individuals at the entrance to the House Chamber, according to trial evidence.

Sullivan's self-proclaimed role as a citizen journalist came under scrutiny during the trial. Despite asserting that he was merely documenting history, government prosecutors labeled him as "anti establishment" and argued that he actively incited the mob.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barclay contended that Sullivan's intent was clear – he "wanted to tear it all down." Rebekah Lederer, another Assistant U.S. Attorney, asserted that Sullivan's statements were not a defense mechanism but rather an attempt to inflame the crowd.

The defendant's claims of organizing a pro-gun-rights rally with a far-right militia group last summer were met with skepticism. His association with slogans like "BLACK LIVES MATTER" and "NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE" was disavowed by Black Lives Matter Utah founder Lex Scott, who emphasized the group's non-alignment with Sullivan.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Sullivan's sentencing date is pending. The trial highlights the complexities surrounding people present at the Capitol on January 6, with the prosecution painting Sullivan as an active participant rather than a neutral observer, challenging the narrative of citizen journalism he presented.

FAQs

Q: How many people were arrested for storming into the Capitol?
Ans: More than 1,033 people have been arrested for storming the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021.

Q: When was the Capitol burned?
Ans: August 1814.