Henry Muntzer, a 55-year-old supporter of former President Donald Trump from Montana, has been sentenced to two years in prison for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot. Muntzer, who had boasted about being cleared of charges and expected to receive “a huge premium” for his actions, faced multiple charges, including obstruction of an official proceeding and civil disorder.
Background of the Case
On February 22, Muntzer was found guilty of several offenses related to the Capitol riot, including trespassing and disorderly conduct. Initially, the charge of obstructing an official proceeding was dismissed due to a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that made such prosecutions more challenging. Along with his prison sentence, he was ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution.
As reported by Law&Crime, Muntzer was part of the “Stop the Steal” rally, which aimed to disrupt the congressional session that was counting electoral votes for the 2020 presidential election. On that fateful day, he entered the Capitol building, where he recorded a video of himself stating he had “passed through all the tear gas” and was “taking the Capitol by storm.”
Confrontations with Law Enforcement
Inside the Capitol, Muntzer engaged in physical confrontations with law enforcement and was part of a crowd that challenged officers blocking access to the Upper West Terrace. He was noted for resisting police efforts to clear the Rotunda, ultimately being one of the last individuals to leave the area before departing the building at 3:22 p.m. He was arrested by FBI agents on January 18, 2021.
Muntzer did not shy away from sharing his experience. He appeared on MSNBC, where he confirmed his presence inside the Capitol, and posted videos of the event on social media. One of his Facebook posts declared, “We stormed the Capitol… and entered several chambers,” downplaying the violence and chaos around him.
Pre-Riot Activities and Intentions
Prior to the Capitol riot, Muntzer actively promoted his intention to attend the protest. He posted a meme on December 20, 2020, referencing Trump’s call to join a “wild” rally. He also extended offers on social media to help cover travel expenses for others in Montana who wished to join him. Muntzer’s posts indicated that he planned a large group trip to D.C., even securing a rental house for accommodations.
His business, Dillon Appliance, which featured pro-QAnon murals, became a local hub for Trump supporters, and he often led events dubbed the “Trump Train.” Despite his eventual conviction, Muntzer had previously expressed confidence in his legal fate, stating, “Not only will I be cleared, they are going to pay me a huge premium for this.”
