Maine Man Arrested on Felony and Misdemeanor Charges For Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

         WASHINGTON — A Maine man has been arrested on felony charges, including civil disorder, 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.

         Lincoln Deming, 44, of Kittery, Maine, is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with civil disorder, a felony; entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; entering and remaining in the Gallery of Congress; disorderly conduct in a Capitol building; and parading, picketing, or demonstrating in a Capitol building. 

         Deming was arrested on May 11, 2024, in Maine. He is expected to make his initial appearance later today in the District of Maine.

         According to court documents, on Jan. 6, 2021, Deming was on the West Plaza of the U.S. Capitol, where police officers had erected barricades made of interlocking metal bike racks to prevent the crowd from advancing closer to the Capitol building. Video shows Deming pulling on a bike rack barricade in an apparent attempt to infiltrate the police line and allow rioters to overtake the West Plaza. He fell while apparently using his body weight to pull on the barrier. Body-worn camera footage shows Deming re-approached the police line. At approximately 2:07 p.m., Deming threw an object toward officers on the West Plaza. Deming left the West Plaza and made his way up a set of stairs to the Upper West Terrace at approximately 2:18 p.m. 

         Deming entered the Capitol through the Senate Wing Door at approximately 2:23 p.m. and remained inside the Capitol for approximately 33 minutes. He made his way to the third floor, where he attempted to open several locked doors, including the Dome Bulfinch Door.  He also entered the Senate Gallery.

         Deming exited the Capitol through the Rotunda Doors at approximately 2:56 p.m.

         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 District of Maine.

         The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Portland (Maine) and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

         In the 40 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,424 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 500 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.