Philadelphia Man Sentenced on Felony and Misdemeanor Charges For Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

Defendant Illegally Entered Building, Carrying Flag

            WASHINGTON – A Philadelphia man was sentenced in the District of Columbia on felony and misdemeanor charges for his actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. 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 presidential election.

            James Douglas Rahm, Jr., 63, was sentenced yesterday to one year in prison for obstruction of an official proceeding, a felony; one year in prison for each of the following misdemeanors: entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, and  disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; and six months in prison for the misdemeanors of disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building. All sentences to run concurrently. Judge Thomas F. Hogan, who found Rahm guilty of the charges on October 13, 2022 following a bench trial, also ordered three years of supervised release and $2,000 in restitution. Rahm will self-surrender at a future date.  

            According to the stipulated facts, on Jan. 6, 2021, Rahm illegally entered the Capitol grounds. After rioters broke through the police line on the east side of the Capitol, he climbed steps and joined a mob outside the East Rotunda Doors. He filmed a video in which he stated, among other things, “We broke the door down. We’re going in.” He also yelled to the crowd, “I think we stopped the vote,” drawing cheers. Rahm entered the Capitol through the East Rotunda Doors at approximately 2:43 p.m., carrying a flag. He filmed another video in which he loudly declared, “we’re in. We’re taking our f—— house back. We’re here.” He moved through Statuary Hall and other non-public areas before exiting the building at approximately 2:53 p.m. 

            Rahm was arrested on Feb. 5, 2021, in Philadelphia.

            This case was 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 Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

            The case was investigated by the FBI’s Newark and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Capitol Police.

            In the 24 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 950 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including over 284 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing. 

            Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.