Source: United States Department of Justice News
Defendant Convicted of Joining Others in Planning and Carrying Out Attack
WASHINGTON – A California man has been convicted of conspiracy and other 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.
Edward Badalian, 28, of Panorama City, California, was convicted by Judge Amy Berman Jackson of conspiracy, obstruction of an official proceeding, and entering and remaining in a restricted building following a bench trial last month. The defendant remains on pre-trial release until sentencing. The sentencing hearing is set for July 21, 2023 at 9:30 a.m.
Badalian was charged in a superseding indictment returned in a case initially filed in March 2021 against Daniel Rodriguez, 40, of Fontana, California. Rodriguez was indicted at that time on charges including the assault of Metropolitan Police Department Officer Michael Fanone. The superseding indictment added a conspiracy charge against him. Rodriguez pleaded guilty to four felonies, including conspiracy, on February 14, 2023, in the District of Columbia.
According to the indictment, in the fall of 2020, Badalian, Rodriguez and others created a Telegram group chat, called the “Patriots 45 MAGA Gang,” and used it as a platform to advocate violence against certain groups and individuals that that either supported the 2020 Presidential election results, supported what the group perceived as liberal, or communist ideologies, or held positions of authority in government. The group’s activities included collecting weapons and tactical gear to bring to Washington, D.C. on Jan. 6, storming past barricades to gain unlawful access to the Capitol, and coordinating activities before, during, and after the riot.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Justice Department’s National Security Division prosecuted the case, with valuable assistance provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
The FBI’s Los Angeles and Washington Field Offices are investigating the case, with valuable assistance from the Metropolitan Police Department and U.S. Capitol Police.
In the 26 months since Jan. 6, more than 1,000 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 320 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.