Oregon Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in January 6 Capitol Breach

Washington, DC- Hillsboro resident Reed Knox Christensen, 65, has been sentenced to 46 months in prison, following his conviction on eight charges related to his actions during the Jan. 6, 2021, “Capitol breach” as described by the FBI. The disruption occurred during a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count electoral votes for the 2020 presidential election.

U.S. District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth handed down the sentence, which includes 36 months of supervised release and a $22,000 restitution and fine order.

Christensen, convicted of one felony and seven misdemeanors, including civil disorder, initiated the forcible removal of bike rack barriers on the West Plaza of the Capitol grounds. This action aimed to breach the security measures preventing rioters from moving closer to the Capitol building.

The court documents reveal that at 2:20 p.m. on Jan. 6, 2021, Christensen, after attempting to remove a bike rack barrier, was sprayed with pepper spray by U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) officers. Despite receiving aid to wash away the spray, Christensen charged through the perimeter, physically assaulting officers. Authorities say his actions led to the loss of ground by law enforcement, allowing access to the Capitol building.

Christensen’s arrest took place on April 25, 2021, in Oregon. The case was 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 District of Oregon.

The FBI’s Washington and Portland Field Offices, listing Christensen as #191 on their seeking information photos, investigated the case. Support was also provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

This sentencing is part of ongoing efforts, with over 1,265 individuals charged across almost all 50 states since Jan. 6, 2021. More than 440 individuals face charges related to assaulting or impeding law enforcement, with the investigation continuing.