A former US State Department diplomatic security officer, Kevin Michael Alstrup, has pleaded guilty to charges related to his involvement in the attack on the US Capitol over three years ago. Alstrup admitted to disorderly conduct and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building, both misdemeanors carrying a maximum prison sentence of six months.
Alstrup acknowledged entering the Capitol building through the Senate Wing doors after they were forced open by other rioters. He took photographs inside the building before leaving approximately 28 minutes later. Alstrup, who was arrested in February in Washington, DC, where he lived, is scheduled to be sentenced on February 12 by US District Judge Randolph Moss.
The FBI, in its investigation, found that Alstrup, due to his State Department background, was familiar with providing security for high-ranking government officials and sensitive locations. A supervisor identified Alstrup in a photograph from the riot. The State Department expressed support for the Department of Justice's efforts to hold individuals accountable for their actions on January 6, 2021.
Alstrup's attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The State Department did not provide further details about Alstrup's employment status. Over 1,500 individuals have been charged with federal crimes related to the Capitol riot, with more than 900 pleading guilty and over 200 convicted after trials.
