A member of the far-right group Proud Boys, who participated in the attack on the U.S. Capitol, has pleaded guilty to obstructing the joint session of Congress and threatening a federal officer. William Chrestman, a 49-year-old resident of Olathe, Kansas, joined other Proud Boys members in the riot that took place on January 6, 2023. Chrestman appeared before U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly, who is scheduled to sentence him for his two felony convictions on January 12. The estimated sentencing guidelines for his case recommend a prison term ranging from four years and three months to five years and three months.
During the Capitol riot, Chrestman brought an axe handle, gas mask, helmet, and other tactical gear when he traveled to Washington, D.C. with fellow Proud Boys members from the Kansas City area. He marched to the Capitol grounds with dozens of other Proud Boys leaders, members, and associates. Chrestman and his group breached police barriers and joined other rioters in front of another police barrier. He shouted threats at officers and urged the crowd to prevent the arrest of another rioter. Chrestman assumed a leadership role for the Proud Boys from Kansas City, coordinating their efforts to disrupt police and impede law enforcement’s protection of the Capitol.
Video evidence showed Chrestman communicating with Proud Boys chapter leader Ethan Nordean outside the Capitol. Nordean and three other Proud Boys were convicted of seditious conspiracy for their involvement in a plot to disrupt the peaceful transfer of presidential power from Donald Trump to Joe Biden after the 2020 election.
Chrestman, a U.S. Army veteran, has been in jail since his arrest in February 2021. He was indicted on six counts, including conspiracy. Prosecutors suspect Chrestman may have tried to conceal his participation in the riot by disposing of his clothing and gear and handing over his firearms to someone else.
Chrestman’s guilty plea adds to the growing number of individuals charged in connection with the Capitol riot. Over 1,100 people have faced federal charges related to the event, with approximately 60 of them identified as Proud Boys leaders, members, or associates.
The sentencing of Chrestman and the continued prosecution of those involved in the Capitol riot serve as a reminder of the consequences faced by individuals who seek to undermine the democratic process through acts of violence and insurrection.
