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

        WASHINGTON — A Texas man was arrested today on felony and misdemeanor charges related to his alleged conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His alleged 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.

        Steven Hassel, 26, of San Antonio, Texas, is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with a felony offense of obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder. In addition to the felony, Hassel is charged with four misdemeanor offenses, including entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

        The FBI arrested Hassel today in San Antonio, and he made his initial appearance in the Western District of Texas.

        According to court documents, Hassel was identified among a crowd of rioters on the East Plaza of the U.S. Capitol grounds near a row of bike rack barricades that police were using as crowd control barriers. There, it is alleged that Hassel assisted the crowd in pulling apart the barriers separating themselves from the Capitol building despite police attempts to thwart this conduct. It is alleged that Hassel participated by grabbing one of the barriers, leaning back, and pulling on it forcibly several times in opposition to police officers. The removal of the barrier away from its position allowed the crowd to surge forward and make their way toward the Capitol building.

        After this breach, police formed a new line on the east steps of the Capitol building. It is alleged that Hassel approached this new line and waved other rioters behind him toward the Capitol. The crowd again overcame police and surged toward the Rotunda Doors. Hassel stood with the crowd as it chanted and tried to enter the Capitol building. 

        Court documents say that the crowd, including Hassel, ultimately breached the doors and, at about 3:00 p.m., Hassel entered the building. Once inside, Hassel traversed the building and made his way to the office of the Minority Leader. Hassel exited the building at approximately 3:17 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 Western District of Texas.

        The case is being investigated by the FBI's San Antonio and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

        In the 43 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,488 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including nearly 550 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.