Tennessee Man Sentenced on Felony Charge For Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

            WASHINGTON - A Tennessee man was sentenced today on a felony charge for his actions 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.

            Isaiah Farnsworth, 44, of McDonald, Tennessee, formerly of Broomfield, Colorado, was sentenced, in the District of Columbia, to three months in prison and 36 months of supervised release for one felony count of destruction of government property.

            Farnsworth pleaded guilty on May 4, 2023.

            According to court documents, on Jan. 6, 2021, Farnsworth traveled from Broomfield, Colorado, his home at the time, to protest the certification of the 2020 Electoral College vote. Prior to entering the Capitol building, Farnsworth posted a video to Facebook, in which he can be heard saying, “We have a right to be at our house,” “We have a right to be on our lawn,” “We have a right to bring our grievances to the government,” and “Never, never be passive about such a powerful government any longer.”  Farnsworth entered the United States Capitol building at approximately 2:44 p.m. through the Parliamentarian Door on the West, Senate Side of the building.  Shortly after entering the Capitol building, Farnsworth joined other rioters attempting to breach an interior door to an office. Farnsworth repeatedly threw his weight behind other rioters who were throwing their bodies against the door until it yielded.  The approximate value of the damage to the door of the office is $9,860.  Farnsworth entered the office briefly, before exiting the Capitol building through the same door that he entered at approximately 2:47 p.m.

            This 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 Eastern District of Tennessee.

            The case is being invviestigate-vid by the FBI’s Denver and Knoxville Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI Washington Field Office, the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Capitol Police.

            In the 32 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,100 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 320 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.