Ryan Samsel, along with four co-defendants, were found guilty of multiple felonies for their roles in instigating the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Samsel, who was a key instigator in the event, was convicted of federal assault and obstructing the certification of the 2020 presidential election. They were found to have cleared a path for rioters to storm the Capitol, which led to them being convicted of assaulting law enforcement and obstructing the election confirmation. Prosecutors argued that these five defendants started the Capitol breach and should take responsibility. Defense lawyers argued that blaming the five men for a riot involving thousands of others was unfair.