In a significant development stemming from the January 6th, 2021 breach of the U.S. Capitol, a Washington State man was arrested in Phoenix, Arizona, on August 20, 2024, on charges related to his alleged involvement in the insurrection. The man, identified as 47-year-old Thomas Hodo of Snohomish, Washington, faces both felony and misdemeanor charges, highlighting the ongoing efforts by federal authorities to bring those involved in the Capitol breach to justice.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced the arrest, detailing Hodo’s alleged actions on that day. According to court documents, Hodo was captured on video near a line of police officers on the West Plaza of the U.S. Capitol grounds. His behavior, along with that of a co-defendant named Derek Noftsger, escalated from verbal confrontation to physical attempts to undermine law enforcement efforts. Hodo is accused of attempting to pull a bike rack barricade away from police, throwing items at officers, and using a megaphone to incite the crowd with statements about standing up to what he called a “tyrannical government.”
Hodo’s arrest in Arizona underscores the reach of the investigation into the Capitol breach, which has led to the charging of more than 1,488 individuals across nearly all 50 states. The case against Hodo includes charges of felony civil disorder, entering and remaining in a restricted building, disorderly conduct, and other related offenses. The arrest was a coordinated effort involving the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office, along with assistance from the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.
Hodo made his initial court appearance in the District of Arizona, marking the latest chapter in the legal proceedings related to the Capitol breach. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, with support from the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
As the investigation continues, federal authorities remain committed to holding accountable those responsible for the events of January 6th, which disrupted a joint session of Congress convened to certify the 2020 presidential election results.
