Record at a Glance
- Category
- Jan 6th
- Age in NPR record
- 34
- Location
- Meridian, Idaho
- Charges
- Obstruction of an Official Proceeding; Entering and Remaining in a Restricted Building; Disorderly and Disruptive Conduct in a Restricted Building; Violent Entry and Disorderly Conduct in a Capitol Building
- Case status
- Pleaded guilty; Dismissed in part or full; Sentenced
- Presidential action
- Pardon
Case Summary
Josiah Colt was allegedly photographed hanging from the Senate balcony on Jan. 6, 2021, and also sitting in the vice president’s chair. He was initially identified by relatives, according to the FBI. He admitted that he was involved in the rioting on the Capitol and apologized for his role in what went on, in a statement to a local Boise, Idaho, station. “I love America, I love the people, I didn’t hurt anyone and I didn’t cause any damage in the Chamber,” he said in a statement given to CBS2 News. “I got caught up in the moment and when I saw the door to the Chamber open, I walked in, hopped down and sat on the chair.” He said he helped someone who was injured get to safety and then he left. He was arrested in Idaho on Jan. 12, 2021, according to a criminal complaint.
Case History
Colt pleaded Guilty to one charge: Obstruction of an Official Proceeding. The other charges are dismissed. Sentenced on 5/10/2023 to 15 months of incarceration; 36 months of supervised release; $1,000 in restitution; $100 special assessment; 100 hours of community service. Colt received a full pardon on January 20, 2025
Sources
- Primary Documentation
NPR Jan. 6 Defendant DatabaseNPR - Primary Documentation
Underlying court recordCourt record linked by NPR
Case summary, charges, procedural updates and image are drawn from the NPR Jan. 6 archive snapshot dated 2026-09-25 unless otherwise indicated.