Louisiana Man Arrested on Felony and Misdemeanor Charges for Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

            WASHINGTON — A Louisiana man has been arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges related to his conduct during 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 convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

            Charles Tyler Himber, 30, of Slidell, Louisiana, is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with a felony offense of civil disorder. In addition to the felony, Himber is charged with several misdemeanor offenses, including knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly or disruptive conduct in a Capitol building, parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

            Himber was arrested in Golden Meadow, Louisiana, and will make his initial appearance in the Eastern District of Louisiana.

            According to allegations in court documents, Himber attended the “Stop the Steal” rally on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, D.C. Afterwards, he made his way to the Capitol, trespassing over the restricted perimeter that had been established that day to do so. He made his way to the east side of the Capitol, where he tried to enter the building through the East Rotunda Doors. There, he and other rioters tried to push past police and into the building. The rioters we initially unsuccessful, and the police were able to close the doors. At that point, Himber screamed, “Let us in!”

            However, several minutes later, about 2:21 p.m., as some rioters were trying to enter the building, and others trying to exit, Himber and other rioters managed to push past the police and into the building. From there, Himber and others push their way into the Rotunda, before police were able to close the interior doors. At that point, it quickly became apparent that Himber and the other rioters were surrounded by police, and surrendered. Himber was the escorted out of the building.

            Outside the Capitol, Himber climbed onto an armored truck, and elsewhere yelled at someone filming the scene, “you’re not f— safe!” Himber wrote of his exploits on January 6th on social media, including one post which read, “Storm in Capitol Hill is a go…drain the swamp manually…Evacuating Capitol Hill pushing back.”

            The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting this case. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana provided valuable assistance.

            The FBI's New Orleans and Washington Field Offices are investigating this case. The U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department provided valuable assistance.

            In the 37 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,313 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 469 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

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

            A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.