Maryland Man Sentenced for Assaulting Law Enforcement Officers and Carrying a Firearm During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

A Maryland man was sentenced today on multiple felony and misdemeanor convictions for his actions during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol breach. 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 presidential election.

Christopher Michael Alberts, 35, of Pylesville, Maryland, was sentenced to 84 months in prison after he was convicted of nine charges, including six felonies, following a jury trial in the District of Columbia before the Honorable Christopher R. Cooper. In addition to the prison term, Judge Cooper ordered 36 months of supervised release and restitution of $2,000.

According to the government’s evidence, Alberts arrived at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, wearing a body armor vest containing metal plates, a two-way radio with a throat mic, and a military backpack containing eight bungee cords, a flashlight, a ski mask, a meal-ready-to-eat kit, a first aid kit, military trousers, and a pocketknife. That day, Alberts carried with him, in a holster, a 9-millimeter pistol loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition and an additional bullet in the chamber. Alberts also wore a separate holster containing an additional 12 rounds of ammunition, which included “hollow point” bullets.

Evidence at trial showed that Alberts arrived at the Capitol grounds at or near the time of the first breach of the Peace Circle at 12:57 p.m. and traveled through multiple bike rack barriers, past snow fencing and “area closed” signs. Separating other rioters from outmanned U.S. Capitol Police Officers at around 1:05 p.m., Alberts told the rioters, “we’ll get them soon.” Alberts donned a gas mask at around 1:20 p.m.

Read more: Department of Justice