MAN WHO ATTACKED LOBBY WHERE BABBITT WAS SHOT IS CONVICTED

Kentucky man found guilty of nine counts in Capitol riot case

A Kentucky man who was part of a mob smashing windows to the House Speaker’s Lobby in the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, which led to San Diegan Ashli Babbitt trying to climb through before being fatally shot by police, was convicted Wednesday of two felonies and seven misdemeanors, including obstruction of an official proceeding and destruction of government property.

Chad Barrett Jones, 45, of Mount Washington, Ky., was captured on video as part of a group of Donald Trump supporters cursing U.S. Capitol Police officers who were standing outside the glass doors to the Speaker’s Lobby while members of Congress were preparing to evacuate as rioters neared. Behind the glass were chairs and tables, and also an armed Capitol Police lieutenant, Michael Byrd.

Jones and others were punching and striking the glass panels. The three Capitol Police officers are seen in the video walking away from the doors as an armed tactical squad approaches from behind. The mob began slamming the glass with fists and hard objects, and Jones was accused of hitting one panel at least 10 times.

As another panel collapsed, Babbitt is seen in the video climbing up into the frame through the broken glass, and was then fatally shot by Byrd. Byrd was cleared of any criminal charges by the Justice Department.

A family member who saw Jones on a news program reported him to the FBI on Jan. 8, 2021, according to court records. The family member told agents that Jones wanted to explain “why it all was happening and why it was a hoax.”

Jones faces up to 20 years in prison for the obstruction charge. Sentencing is set for Nov. 8.