A Montgomery County police officer was found guilty today by a U.S. District Court judge in Washington, DC, for the violence at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Rockville Police Officer Justin Lee, 25, was found guilty of two felony counts: assault, resisting or obstructing certain officers, and causing a disturbance. Judge Trevor N. McFadden also found Lee guilty of misdemeanor counts of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building. Lee will be sentenced by Judge McFadden on November 22, 2024.
The Montgomery County Police Department issued a statement today explaining that Lee was not yet employed by the county police force as of January 6, 2021. It stated that Lee’s actions at the Capitol did not come to light during the usual background investigation when Lee was hired. Lee was relieved of his police duties pending trial. The Montgomery County Police Department stated that Lee’s employment with the department will now be terminated following today’s guilty verdict.
Lee was identified in 2023 by police officers reviewing video footage from the Capitol on January 6, 2021, after they first noticed his scarf decorated with the Maryland flag. The U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia specifically accused Lee of throwing two objects at officers attempting to prevent people from entering the Capitol. An incendiary device created a cloud of smoke. Lee was also accused of shining a flashlight beam at the officers.
