Joseph Howe

Joseph Howe, of Kentucky, outfitted in a plate carrier vest, respirator mask, and goggles, announced to a man with a video camera, "We're getting in that building," then forcefully pulled a riot shield held by a U.S. Capitol Police officer during the Jan. 6, 2021 riot, an altercation after which the officer reported a concussion and head trauma; once inside the Capitol, Howe deployed a fire extinguisher that struck another U.S. Capitol Police officer directly in the face. He pleaded guilty to felony obstruction of an official proceeding and assaulting, resisting, or impeding law enforcement officers. U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Kelly sentenced him to 50 months in prison, 12 months of supervised release, and $2,000 in restitution.