Skip to main content
Clear icon
46º

Austin man sentenced for rioting at U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021

Geoffrey Shough was sentenced for interfering with a law enforcement officer during a civil disorder

FILE - Insurrectionists loyal to President Donald Trump breach the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on Jan. 6, 2021. Four people associated with the Oath Keepers were convicted on Monday, March 20, 2023, of conspiracy and obstruction charges stemming from the attack on the U.S. Capitol in the latest trial involving members of the far-right antigovernment extremist group. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) (John Minchillo, Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

AUSTIN – A 38-year-old man from Austin has been sentenced for rioting during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol, according to federal authorities.

Geoffrey Shough was sentenced on Wednesday to six months in prison for interfering with a law enforcement officer during a civil disorder, a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office states. He was also ordered to 12 months of supervised release and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution.

Recommended Videos



Court documents state that during the insurrection, where supporters of then-President Donald Trump objected to Joe Biden’s election victory, Shough waved a Texas flag and cheered on other rioters as they overwhelmed officers on the Northwest steps of the Capitol.

He then went to a courtyard outside the Senate Wing Door and made his way into the Capitol, the news release states.

“After the rioters overwhelmed the officers, Shough engaged in a very animated conversation with one or more of the officers. During his plea hearing, he acknowledged telling the officers that they ‘should go home,’” federal authorities said.

He was arrested on March 1, 2022, and he pleaded guilty on Aug. 16.

The FBI San Antonio Central Texas Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated the case. Authorities said more than 1,000 people have been arrested on charges related to the breach.

The investigation is ongoing.

Read also:


About the Author
Rebecca Salinas headshot

Rebecca Salinas is the Digital Executive Producer at KSAT 12 News. A San Antonio native, Rebecca is an award-winning journalist who joined KSAT in 2019.

Loading...

Recommended Videos