State Department security officer guilty/ Capitol riot officer pleads guilty/ diplomatic security officer Capitol riot guilty plea/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ Kevin Michael Alstrup, a former U.S. State Department diplomatic security officer, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot. Alstrup admitted to entering the Capitol building during the attack. He will be sentenced in February and faces up to six months in prison. Alstrup no longer works for the State Department.
Former State Department Officer Pleads Guilty: Quick Looks
- Guilty Plea: Kevin Michael Alstrup, a former State Department security officer, pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors for his role in the January 6 Capitol riot.
- Capitol Involvement: Alstrup admitted to entering the Capitol, taking photos, and leaving after 28 minutes.
- Sentencing Scheduled: Alstrup will be sentenced in February and faces up to six months in prison.
- FBI Investigation: Alstrup was identified by a supervisor through a photograph from the riot.
Ex-State Department Guard Pleads Guilty to Charges in Capitol Riot
Deep Look
Kevin Michael Alstrup, a former U.S. State Department diplomatic security officer, pleaded guilty on Friday to misdemeanor charges stemming from his involvement in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Alstrup admitted to joining the mob that stormed the Capitol, pleading guilty to disorderly conduct and parading, demonstrating, or picketing inside the Capitol building—both offenses carrying a maximum prison sentence of six months.
Alstrup, who had worked as a contractor and uniformed guard for the State Department since 2010, entered the Capitol through the Senate Wing doors after other rioters had broken windows and forced them open. He took photos with a camera before leaving the building 28 minutes later, according to court records. The FBI determined that Alstrup’s professional background in security included safeguarding high-ranking government officials and sensitive locations, such as embassies.
Alstrup was arrested in Washington, D.C., in February 2024. He was identified by one of his supervisors in a photo from the riot, leading to his arrest. Alstrup is currently free on bond and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 12, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss.
In a statement following the guilty plea, a State Department spokesperson confirmed that Alstrup no longer works for the department. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller also expressed support for the Department of Justice’s efforts to hold those involved in the Capitol riot accountable, saying, “We fully support the work by our colleagues at the Department of Justice to hold anyone responsible for violations of law on that horrific day accountable.”
Alstrup’s case is part of the broader investigation into the January 6 riot, which has seen approximately 1,500 people charged with related federal crimes. More than 900 individuals have pleaded guilty, while over 200 have been convicted after trials.
Also on Friday, Brian Holmes, a former firefighter from Arlington County, Virginia, was arrested for allegedly assaulting police officers during the riot. The FBI obtained video footage showing Holmes pushing two officers up the stairs outside the Capitol. Holmes, who worked for the Arlington County Fire Department at the time of the riot, has not been employed there since April 2023. Fire Capt. Nathaniel Hiner confirmed that the department had fully cooperated with the FBI investigation.
