Matthew Ryan Miller (23), sprayed fire extinguisher towards law enforcement officers trying to stop rioters entering the building, according a summary of case written by Miller. Prosecutors also said that Miller was seen throwing an unidentified object at officers.
Miller will be sentenced in federal court on May 23. Miller pleaded guilty in federal court to the felony charges of obstruction and assaulting, resisting and impeding officers.
Miller was released after being arrested last year. However, U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss directed Miller to remain in custody until his sentencing. Miller must report to jail no later than February 23rd.
Miller traveled from Cooksville, Maryland to Washington. Miller wore a black cowboy cap, a Washington Capitals jersey, and both the Maryland and Gadsden flags, which feature a yellow background with a hissing snake tied around his neck.
Miller used a metal barrier to climb a Capitol wall. He then urged other mob members to follow him and push against the Lower West Terrace’s law enforcement officers. Miller raised his hand and said “Come on!” as the mob shouted “Heave!” Ho!” and he rocked backwards in his push towards the tunnel entrance, which was guarded by law enforcement officers. Miller raised his hands and yelled “One, Two, Three, Push!”
The fire extinguisher was also spray at the officers inside the tunnel. Robert Palmer, another rioter, was also charged with spraying the contents of the fire extinguisher at officers in the tunnel. Palmer was sentenced to three years and five months in prison in December.
Prosecutors say Miller attended at least one Proud Boys rally, which is far-right extremist group. However, investigators did not find any evidence that Miller acted in concert or with other members of the group on Jan. 6. Prosecutors also stated that Miller is a member the “Patriotic American Cowboys.”
Kaitlin Vaillancourt (assistant U.S. Attorney) wrote last year in a court filing that “If nothing else, January 6th 2021 has exposed the size of right-wing fringe group in the United States and their willingness to put themselves and others in risk to further their political ideologies.”
More than 730 people were charged with federal crimes in connection to the riot. More than 210 people have pleaded guilty to federal crimes related to the riot, mostly misdemeanors that carry a maximum sentence of six months imprisonment.
