Utah Man Convicted of Assaulting Law Enforcement with a Deadly Weapon and Other Charges During Janua

Photo byHCTR

On June 17, 2024, a man from Utah was found guilty of both felony and misdemeanor charges in a federal court located in the District of Columbia. His conviction stemmed from his involvement in the breach of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., which occurred on January 6, 2021. This breach caused significant disruption during a joint session of Congress that had been convened to certify and confirm the electoral college vote for the 2020 presidential election. The defendant's actions, along with those of others, had a profound impact on the proceedings and the overall functioning of the political process.

Odin Meacham, a 30-year-old resident of Utah, has been convicted of seven serious crimes. These include civil disorder, two counts of assaulting or obstructing law enforcement officers using a dangerous weapon, assaulting or obstructing law enforcement officers, engaging in physical violence on restricted premises with a dangerous weapon, disorderly conduct on restricted premises with a dangerous weapon, and entering and remaining on restricted premises with a dangerous weapon.

U.S. District Court Judge John D. Bates is scheduled to pass sentence on Meacham on September 26, 2024.

Based on the evidence presented by the government, Meacham traveled a distance of over two thousand miles, journeying from Utah to Washington, D.C., with the purpose of participating in the Stop the Steal Rally held on the Ellipse. Subsequently, Meacham joined forces with a multitude of other individuals involved in the riot and proceeded to march towards the U.S. Capitol Building.

At around 2:09 p.m., Meacham found himself leading the unlawful assembly at the Lower West Terrace of the Capitol Building. Around 2:10 p.m., Meacham swiftly approached a group of police officers who were guarding the Lower West Terrace. He hoisted a wooden flagpole above his head and forcefully struck a Capitol Police Officer in the upper body, causing the flagpole to snap in two. Meacham proceeded to swing the broken flagpole once more, this time hitting a bike rack that had been positioned in front of the officers for their safety.

At around 2:14 p.m., Meacham relinquished the damaged flagpole and retrieved a black metal pole that was lying on the ground. Subsequently, Meacham hurled the metal pole towards a different officer, striking the officer's left hand. Following the pole throw, Meacham emitted a scream and mocked the officer.

At around 2:16 p.m., Meacham approached a different group of officers. While one officer reiterated, "please move away," Meacham yelled to the crowd, "come closer!" and gestured for them to approach the police line as Meacham tried to grab the officer's baton.

Soon after, Meacham exploded in anger towards the group of officers, hurling a range of offensive words at them and questioning their level of fear.

Meacham was apprehended by the FBI on May 15, 2023.

The prosecution of this case was undertaken by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia and the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice's National Security Division. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Utah provided significant support and aid throughout the proceedings.

The FBI Salt Lake City Field Office's Vernal Resident Agency and the FBI's Washington Field Office are currently in charge of investigating the case. Meacham has been identified as number 400 on the seeking information photos released by the Washington Field Office. The U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department have provided valuable assistance in this matter.

Since January 6, 2021, over 1,450 people have been accused in almost every state across the United States for offenses connected to the invasion of the U.S. Capitol. Among these individuals, more than 500 have been charged with the serious crime of assaulting or obstructing law enforcement. It is important to note that the investigation into these incidents is still in progress.