Edgewater man faces up to 5 years in federal prison for role in Capitol riot

Frank Fernandez, The Daytona Beach News-Journal
·3 min read
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Joe Biggs, bottom left, in gray and black checked jacket, marches at the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, in this photo shared in a Department of Justice affidavit supporting Biggs' arrest.
Joe Biggs, bottom left, in gray and black checked jacket, marches at the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, in this photo shared in a Department of Justice affidavit supporting Biggs' arrest.

An Edgewater man is facing up to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty Thursday to his actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, including making contact with a police officer, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Howard Adams, 62, entered the guilty plea in the District of Columbia to interfering with law enforcement officers during a civil disorder, a felony. U.S. District Court Judge Beryl A. Howell set sentencing for March 31, according to the release.

Another Volusia County man, Joseph Biggs, a Volusia County Proud Boys leader, is currently on trial in Washington, D.C., federal court on charges related to the U.S. Capitol riot.

Adams unlawfully approached the U.S. Capitol across the East Plaza about 1:53 p.m. on Jan. 6, 2021, after rioters pushed through a line of police officers, the release stated.

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After Adams proceeded across the East Plaza to the East Rotunda doorway, a group of people unlawfully pushed away police officers and entered the building, the release stated. Adams followed and proceeded to the Rotunda and through Statuary Hall, according to the release.

Adams then went to the House Chamber door after others pushed aside police officers, the release continued. Adams and others then amassed outside the House Chamber doorway for several minutes chanting, “Break it down!” and “Stop the steal!” the release stated.

But the  group was unable to open the door, according to the release.

Several minutes later, Adams returned to the Rotunda and encountered law enforcement officers clearing the room, the release stated.

Adams intentionally walked toward the officers instead of going toward the exit opposite the police, according to the release.

Adams unfurled and raised a flag while raising both hands as he did so, the release stated.

Adams then made physical contact with one of the officers as the officer tried to push Adams in the opposite direction toward the exit; the officer sprayed Adams with a chemical irritant, according to the release.

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Meanwhile, several others were behind Adams surging toward the police line, the release stated.

Adams eventually left the building through the East Rotunda doorway at approximately 3:15 p.m., the release stated.

Adams was arrested on March 10, 2021, in Edgewater, the release stated.

Since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 950 individuals have been arrested in nearly every state for crimes related to Jan. 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol, according to the release. That includes more than 284 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, the release stated.

The investigation continues and the U.S. Attorney’s Office asked anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Capitol Riot: Florida man pleads guilty, faces up to 5 years in prison