Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Felony Charge For Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

Defendant Led Breach of Police Line That Collapsed Police Perimeter 

            WASHINGTON — A Florida man and self-identified Proud Boy pleaded guilty today to charges related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress in the process of ascertaining and counting the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

            Daniel Lyons Scott, 29, of Bradenton, Florida, pleaded guilty to obstruction of an official proceeding and aiding and abetting, and assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers. U.S. District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth scheduled a sentencing hearing for May 23, 2023.

            According to court documents, publicly available footage depicts Scott in a black ballistic vest and ski goggles on the lower west terrace of the Capitol, at the front of a large crowd that was yelling at U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) officers defending a staircase leading to the upper west terrace of the Building. Scott can be seen pushing two USCP officers backward, up the steps. He appears to be one of the first, or perhaps the first, person to initiate contact with law enforcement at this location.  Following Scott’s assault, members of the crowd behind him surged through the gap in the police line created by his conduct, and ultimately committed the first breach of the U.S. Capitol Building that day.

            The charge of obstruction of an official proceeding and aiding and abetting, carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The charge of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers carries a statutory maximum of eight years in prison. All charges carry potential financial penalties. The Court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

            The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.

            The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, as well as the Metropolitan Police Department, with significant assistance provided by the FBI’s Tampa Field Office. 

            In the 25 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 985 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including approximately 319 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing. 

            Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.