FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KY3) – A northwest Arkansas man was sentenced in federal court Monday for his role in the breach of the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021.

According to the Department of Justice, 35-year-old Nathan Earl Hughes was sentenced to 25 months in prison, 36 months of supervised release and a $5,000 fine.

Hughes previously pleaded guilty to two criminal offenses including assault, resisting or obstructing certain officers and rioting. In addition to the felony charges, Hughes also pleaded to the misdemeanor of obstructing passage through Capitol grounds or buildings.

According to investigators, video footage obtained by law enforcement depicting the events at the Capitol on January 6, 2021 shows that an individual, later identified as Hughes, was near the Lower West Terrace tunnel for at least an hour. Hughes wore a black/dark blue camouflage hat with a frayed brim, distinctive black Mechanix gloves, a gray hoodie, and a black T-shirt that read “Infowars” with an image of a space shuttle and the words “Space Force Est.” 2020” is written on it.

According to investigators, Hughes pushed against the police barrier in the tunnel and helped other rioters physically attack the police to break through the barrier and enter the US Capitol. At around 3:15 p.m. Hughes was at the mouth of the tunnel and signaled to the crowd of rioters: “Come on! Come on!” as he waved his hand towards the tunnel. After signaling to the crowd, Hughes entered the tunnel and stormed toward the police line.

Inside the tunnel, Hughes continued to urge others to enter and face the police line. Hughes then stood side by side with the others and began swaying back and forth in sync with the crowd. At about 3:18 p.m., Hughes helped the mob forcefully remove police shields and lead them out of the tunnel. Hughes also personally attempted to forcibly remove the police shields and pass them out of the tunnel back to the other rioters.

As Hughes was being forced out of the tunnel by police at approximately 3:19 p.m., he was seen throwing his elbow in the direction of police. After being pushed out of the tunnel, Hughes remained near the tunnel for at least 90 minutes, demanding other rioters, “Pull them out!” Earlier in the day, investigators said Hughes watched the mob force police officers out of the tunnel dragged into the crowd.

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