A Harrisonburg man was convicted Tuesday of felony and misdemeanor charges related to the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol.
Jay Mathew Kenyon, 47, was found guilty in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia of civil disorder, a felony, and four misdemeanor offenses, including entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.
Kenyon was convicted following a bench trial before U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson and will be sentenced on Jan. 10, 2025.
The FBI arrested Kenyon on Feb. 28, 2023, in Harrisonburg.
His actions disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election and certify Joe Biden as the winner.
According to online court records, Kenyon has faced additional charges for assault and battery of a family member, contempt of court and additional traffic violations dating back to 2011.
A Facebook page in his name shows he started a business, JSK Lawn Care, in 2023. His public profile shows multiple images of him at the gym as well as links to what he calls “extreme weedeating.” His profile photo is of Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally where an assassination attempt was made against the former president.
The complaint
Following Jan. 6, the FBI Richmond office received multiple tips about Kenyon’s social media posts indicating he was present inside the U.S. Capitol Building on Jan. 6, according to a 17-page criminal complaint.
The complaint indicates a U.S. Capitol Police Officer identified Kenyon for brandishing a knife during the ordeal. The complaint reads: “Officer _ recalled the individual swinging the knife and perceived that the individual was trying to attack officers. Officer _ disarmed the individual.”
Kenyon wrote on Facebook that he had been preparing for the Stop the Steal rally by bulking up at the gym.
In a Facebook post dated Nov. 15, 2020, Kenyon wrote: “I will fight. We are ready. I’m not the only one who has been hitting the gym for months now … that was purposeful and definitely less about my overall physical health.”
In a post dated Dec. 20, 2020, Kenyon wrote: “Trump: January 6, 2021 Washington DC Be There, Will be Wild” Be part of the revolution. It’s gonna be fun!”
On Dec. 21, Kenyon stated “Need 15 lbs more weight by January 6 and you DAMN right if you think Im going FULL ON PATRIOT! I AM RADICALIZED!!…”
The complaint also indicates that Kenyon used the #StopTheSteal hashtag in multiple posts.
On Jan. 6, Kenyon posted a Facebook live video from inside the Capitol.
He later posted on Facebook: “I have no fear because I know what I did. I know what happened, and I will accept my consequences. I’ll be a martyr so people can see the complete hypocrisy of BLM/PANTIFA riots and MSM vs. Capitol and Patriot.
“I knew what I was doing. I am a very smart guy so you can go ahead and stop with the saying it’s a bunch of stupid country folk.
“This has just started. PS. If you disagree with me, delete me because I’m just getting started. No fear. I’m all in. 110. I welcome the FBI to my house. I don’t answer questions.”
Court documents
According to court documents, Kenyon was captured on U.S. Capitol building surveillance footage on Jan. 6, 2021, entering the Capitol at approximately 2:36 p.m. via the Upper West Terrace Door.
After entering the building, Kenyon, who appeared to be wearing a plate carrier vest, proceeded to the Rotunda, Statutory Hall and the House Wing of the Capitol.
At 2:44 p.m., Kenyon joined a crowd of rioters outside of the House Chamber as the crowd pushed against the doors.
Kenyon ascended the stairs to the third floor, the area outside of the House Gallery, and, at approximately 2:48 p.m., entered the House Appropriations Committee room.
United States Capitol Police officers escorted Kenyon from the third floor at approximately 3 p.m. However, instead of using an available door to exit the building, Kenyon returned to the Rotunda.
At the same time, a large contingent of USCP and Metropolitan Police Department officers had arrived to clear the Rotunda.
As officers surrounded the rioters in order to contain them in a tightly packed scrum, Kenyon resisted and pushed against law enforcement.
Kenyon was removed from the building by an MPD officer at approximately 3:26 p.m.
Some references to Kenyon show his middle name spelled “Matthew.” AFP has reached out to the Department of Justice for clarification.
Submit a tip to the FBI
In the 44 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,504 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 560 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.
Related stories
For more coverage, search “Jan. 6” on Augusta Free Press.
- FBI arrests Waynesboro man for violent actions against police in Jan. 6 attack on Capitol
- Insurrectionist from Virginia ordered to pay $25K fine; led Jan. 6 charge with megaphone
- Virginia man who led ‘patriots’ into U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 sentenced to six months
- FBI: 1,500 charged to date in ‘fight’ incited by former President Donald Trump on Jan. 6
- DOJ: Culpeper man arrested for actions during ‘Stop the Steal’ insurrection on U.S. Capitol
- Frederick County School Board member pleads guilty to role in Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol breach
- Virginia father, son used water bottles, flagpoles in Jan. 6 assault on U.S. Capitol Police
- Virginia man arrested by FBI for felony obstruction charge related to Jan. 6 insurrection
- Louisa man arrested for assaulting law enforcement during Jan. 6 Capitol Breach
- Former Marine, Virginia Proud Boys member who used ‘big stick’ in breach of Capitol sentenced
- Proud Boys leader sentenced to 22 years in prison for seditious conspiracy, other charges
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Crystal Graham
