Former North Dakota Young Republicans Vice Chair Arrested for Alleged Role in January 6 Capitol Riot

Photo byTyler Merbler from USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Damian Johnston, son of District 24 GOP candidate Dan Johnston, was arrested for his alleged involvement in the mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol.

FARGO — In a significant development, Damian Johnston, former Vice Chair of the North Dakota Young Republicans and son of District 24 Republican House candidate Dan Johnston, has been arrested for allegedly participating in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. According to a criminal complaint, Johnston was photographed inside the Capitol, reportedly speaking into what "appears to be a microphone" and filming with a flip phone as chaos unfolded around him.

Democratic Party Calls for Accountability

Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn strongly condemned Johnston’s actions and urged Republicans to publicly denounce the violence of that day. "January 6 was one of the darkest days in modern American history," Goldwyn said. "These rioters should all be held accountable in a court of law. Every single Republican running for office should be denouncing Johnston’s actions."

Goldwyn also took aim at high-profile North Dakota Republicans such as Senator Kevin Cramer and Gubernatorial Candidate Kelly Armstrong, challenging them to distance themselves from Johnston and the far-right radicals involved in the Capitol insurrection. Johnston's father, Dan Johnston, has been a prominent figure in North Dakota politics, giving the nominating speech for Cramer at the North Dakota Republican Convention. Johnston’s mother also played a key role in Armstrong's nomination.

Broader Implications for the NDGOP

This arrest adds to the growing scrutiny on the North Dakota Republican Party (NDGOP) and its leadership. Johnston, as Vice Chair of the North Dakota Young Republicans, would have been in a key position to influence younger GOP candidates and lawmakers, including District 10 Republican House Candidate Jared Hendrix and District 42 State Representative Claire Cory, raising questions about their knowledge of or involvement in Johnston’s actions.

Goldwyn did not mince words when describing the state of the North Dakota GOP, accusing Republicans of consistently operating above the law. He highlighted a litany of scandals involving NDGOP figures, from Ray Holmberg’s alleged involvement in child exploitation to Nico Rios’ harassment of police officers, arguing that the Republican Party has become synonymous with criminality.

Election Consequences for District 24 and Beyond

The Democratic-NPL is now positioning this scandal as a major campaign issue, particularly in the District 24 race, where Dan Johnston is running. Goldwyn emphasized that Nancy Farnham, Shawn Olauson, and Pete Gjovik, the Democratic candidates, "stand firmly on the side of democracy, our police, and the rule of law," contrasting them with Johnston and his Republican colleagues Dwight Keifert and Mike Wobbema, whom he accuses of siding with "unpatriotic, cop-killers."

As the 2024 elections approach, this arrest could have lasting ramifications not only for the Johnston family but also for the North Dakota GOP’s image and electoral prospects.

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