A Kansas 'Proud Boys' member has received a prison sentence following actions taken during the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021.
TOPEKA (KSNT) - A Kansas City-area man received his prison sentence for actions taken during the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Friday, Jan. 12, 2024 in a press release that William Chrestman, 51, of Olathe was sentenced to 55 months of prison and 36 months of supervised release. He earlier plead guilty to obstruction of an official proceeding and threatening a federal officer on Oct. 16, 2023.
Chrestman was a member of the 'Proud Boys' organization's chapter in Kansas City and traveled to Washington, D.C. with others in a show of support for then-President Donald Trump and to protest the certification of the Electoral College vote. On Jan. 6, 2021, he met up with other Proud Boys members near the Washington Monument dressed in a tactical vest and carrying protective gloves, a gas mask and a wooden axe handle with a flag attached to it.
Chrestman was one of the many supporters of Trump who marched on the Capitol building and urged members of the crow outside the building forward, according to the DOJ. While standing at the front of the crowd, he threatened U.S. Capitol Police officers with his axe handle in response to the use of "pepper-ball" munitions by police.
Chrestman would later enter the Capitol building at 2:25 p.m. through the Senate Wing Door, eventually making his way to the Crypt. He and others propped a large overhead door open to allow more people to enter the building.
In the nearby Capitol Visitor Center, a fight broke out as police attempted to arrest a rioter. Chrestman intervened, helping to stop the arrest.
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