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Police officer fired after being found guilty of throwing smoke bomb during attack on US Capitol
News Update

Police officer fired after being found guilty of throwing smoke bomb during attack on US Capitol

Former Montgomery County police officer Justin Lee was found guilty Friday of throwing a smoke bomb at police officers guarding a tunnel entrance during the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

The guilty verdict was announced by Judge Trevor McFadden during a single judge trial, according to the Montgomery County Police Department (MCP).

Lee had been relieved of his police duties pending the outcome of his trial. Since he has been found guilty, police say Lee will be relieved of his duties. In a press release, MCP wrote, “Upon being found guilty, Lee will no longer be employed by the Montgomery County Police Department.”

Lee was placed on administrative leave following his involvement in the shooting of a suspect armed with a knife in Silver Spring on July 22, 2023. The Maryland Attorney General’s Office reviewed the fatal shooting and did not file charges against Lee.

According to MCP, Lee has not performed his duties as a police officer since the shooting.

According to AP, Lee was found guilty on Friday of two felony counts and three misdemeanor counts and acquitted of two misdemeanor counts. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 22.

Lee was indicted by a grand jury in September 2023 on seven counts. The first was an allegation that he committed an act and attempted to obstruct, hinder and interfere with a police officer.

The second count was that he violently assaulted, resisted, opposed, obstructed, intimidated and interfered with an officer of the Metropolitan Police Department.

He was also charged with entering and remaining in a restricted building, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building, and physical violence in a restricted building.

As a result of his charges, Lee was suspended without pay in October 2023. Montgomery County Police were notified in July 2023 that Lee was under FBI investigation.

According to police, Lee’s application for employment with the county police was submitted in July 2021, about six months after the Jan. 6 incident. He began working here as an officer on Jan. 31, 2022.

“Lee’s involvement in the January 6 insurrection was not discovered during this (hiring) process because he was not identified by the Department of Justice in connection with the event,” a police press release said.

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