Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
WASHINGTON— A Florida man was found guilty on Dec. 5, 2024, of felony and misdemeanor offenses related to his conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. 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.
A federal jury in the District of Columbia found Thomas Osborne, 41, of Lakeland, Florida, guilty of a felony offense of obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder and misdemeanor offenses of entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building.
U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta will sentence Osborne on March 18, 2025.
According to court documents, on Jan. 5, 2021, Osborne traveled to Washington, D.C., with a group from Lakeland, Florida to attend the “Stop the Steal” rally near the White House. He then went to the Capitol grounds where, by 2:43 p.m., he made his way onto to inaugural stage that was being constructed. From there he climbed to the Capitol’s Upper West Terrace, scaling a set of bleachers. Leaving the bleachers, he faced a group of Metropolitan Police Department officers positioned to the south before he turned to head north toward an entrance breached by rioters.
As police advanced in formation, shouting commands to “move back,” Osborne initially had his back to the officers. One officer pushed Osborne’s upper arm with a baton, prompting Osborne to turn and face them. The officer then pressed the baton against Osborne’s chest. Osborne grabbed the baton with his hands, maintaining his grip as the officer tried to reclaim it. A struggle ensued as Osborne tried to grab the baton from the officer.
The FBI arrested Osborne on Feb. 22, 2024, in Florida.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida provided valuable assistance.
The FBI’s Tampa and Washington Field Offices investigated this case. The FBI identified Osborne as BOLO (Be on the Lookout) #347 on its seeking information photographs. The U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department provided valuable assistance.
In the 46 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,561 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 590 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.