New York ‘Proud Boy’ Arrested on Felony and Misdemeanor Charges for Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

Press Release

WASHINGTON - A New York man has been arrested 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.

Walter Joseph Wentland, 31, of Sparrow Bush, New York, 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 and misdemeanor offenses of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a Capitol building or grounds, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

The FBI arrested Wentland today in New York, and he will make his initial appearance in the Southern District of New York.

According to court documents, Wentland, a member of the Hudson Valley New York Proud Boys, was identified in open-source images and video footage on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, D.C., marching with other members of the local chapter toward the U.S. Capitol building.

Wentland was identified marching in front of a row of assembled law enforcement officers inside the restricted perimeter of the Capitol and, using a bullhorn, stated to police, "Where's your f- oath?"; "Your values mean nothing"; and "We used to back the blue, but now you're Oathbreakers and we can't stand you".

Court documents say that Wentland continued into the restricted perimeter toward a walkway near the Northwest Stairs of the Capitol. At approximately 1:59 p.m., a line of Metropolitan Police Officers (MPD) dressed in riot gear moved towards the Capitol to assist in its defense. As the MPD officers walked by, it is alleged that Wentland engaged with multiple officers, including by physically grabbing an officer. It is alleged that Wentland continued to engage with police and physically grabbed a second officer.

Wentland then moved onto the Upper West Terrace and entered into the Capitol building via the Senate Wing Door at about 2:26 p.m. Once inside, Wentland continued down the hallway before he turned around and exited the building at approximately 2:29 p.m. via a broken window next to the Senate Wing Door.

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 Southern District of New York.

This case is being investigated by the FBI's New York and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

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.

A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law

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Updated December 12, 2024