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Press Release

Virginia Man Arrested for Assault on Law Enforcement During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Columbia
Former Marine and Self-Proclaimed Proud Boy Charged at Police with Large Stick

A Virginia man and self-proclaimed member of the Proud Boys was arrested today for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, which disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress that was in the process of ascertaining and counting the electoral votes related to the presidential election.

James Russell Davis, 45, of King George, is charged with federal offenses that include assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers and obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder, among other charges. Davis made his initial court appearance in the District of Columbia this afternoon.

According to court documents, on Jan. 6, Davis was on the west front terrace stairs of the U.S. Capitol where he engaged in a confrontation with law enforcement officers who were trying to protect the building from rioters. As depicted in body-worn camera (BWC) footage, Davis charged toward officers while wielding a large stick. After an officer shouted for Davis to move back, he allegedly did not follow the command and again charged at the officers. BWC footage captures Davis shouting and pushing down the hands of a second officer as the officer tries to block Davis’ advance. Davis is further seen in BWC footage pointing to his U.S. Marine Corps ball cap and stating, “I fought for this country… I’m a military f****** police,” as he pushed officers while wielding the large stick.

Publicly available video taken on Jan. 6 shows the subject with the same attire and pole who identified himself as a Virginia Proud Boy. The Proud Boys is a group self-described as a “pro-Western fraternal organization for men who refuse to apologize for creating the modern world; aka Western Chauvinists.”

The 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 Eastern District of Virginia.

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Richmond Field Office, as well as the Metropolitan Police Department, with significant assistance provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and FBI’s Washington Field Office. 

In the six months since Jan. 6, more than 535 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including over 165 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.

The charges contained in any criminal complaint or indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Updated July 28, 2021