Jan 6 Rioter Pardoned by Trump Months Ago Arrested for Felony Burglary in Virginia

A man who participated in the events of January 6, 2021, and was later granted a presidential pardon, has reportedly been arrested on new charges.

It’s a development that sees him facing legal issues once again, this time concerning alleged activities in Virginia.

A Previous Role in Washington D.C. Events

The individual in question is Zachary Alam.

Alam was known for his involvement during the significant events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

His actions on that day resulted in legal proceedings and a substantial prison sentence.

He received one of the lengthier sentences handed down related to the Capitol events, initially set at eight years.

Details from January 6 Proceedings

During his trial and sentencing for his role on January 6, prosecutors detailed Alam’s conduct inside the Capitol building.

He was described as being among the initial group who entered from the west lawn.

Alam remained inside for approximately 30 minutes.

During this time, he was reported to have thrown objects at law enforcement officers from an interior balcony.

Court documents indicate he used a helmet to break three glass panes in a door within the speaker’s lobby.

This was the door through which Ashli Babbitt climbed before she was fatally shot.

Witnesses also stated that Alam urged other individuals in the area to return with firearms.

He was convicted of eight felonies, including assaulting law enforcement, and three misdemeanors related to his activities on January 6.

Past reports also indicate Alam had prior convictions before 2021, including for auto theft and driving under the influence.

Statement at Sentencing

At his sentencing hearing for the January 6 offenses, Alam offered a statement regarding his perspective on his actions.

I know that breaking windows is against the law. But I believed in my heart I was doing the right thing. Sometimes you have to break the rules to do what’s right.

He was incarcerated following his arrest by FBI agents in Pennsylvania in January 2021.

He remained in jail through his trial and sentencing in November 2024.

The Presidential Pardon

In January 2025, on the first day of his second term, former President Donald Trump issued a series of pardons.

Zachary Alam was among the approximately 1,500 individuals who received an unconditional pardon.

This pardon resulted in his release after serving nearly four years of his eight-year sentence.

His release occurred just months prior to his recent legal trouble.

The Recent Arrest in Virginia

According to reports, Alam was recently apprehended by officers in Henrico County, Virginia.

The arrest took place on May 9 in a residential neighborhood situated just outside Richmond.

Authorities were responding to reports from residents who stated an unknown man had entered their home.

Several items were reportedly taken from the residence.

Alam was located in a nearby neighborhood following the incident.

He was subsequently arrested and faces new charges.

These charges include felony residential burglary and misdemeanor vandalism, according to newspaper accounts.

Reports suggest this may be the first recorded instance of new charges being filed against a person who received a pardon related to the 2021 Capitol events.

Alam’s legal representatives have reportedly not yet commented on the recent charges.