WASHINGTON, D.C. (NewsDakota.com/KFGO) – A former North Dakota Young Republicans member and political candidate has been charged in US federal court for his alleged role in the January 6th incident at the U.S. Capitol Building.
Damien Johnston, 21, was charged in federal court in the District of Columbia September 24, 2024. He was arrested in Appleton, Wisconsin September 26, and appeared in court that day.
In September 2023, an anonymous person contacted the FBI after they saw a video posted by Johnston’s mother. In the video, Johnston was seen at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. An FBI Special Agent interviewed the person, who said they personally knew the family.
The FBI used Johnston’s North Dakota driver’s license picture to identify him in security footage taken inside the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
According to unsealed documents filed in federal court, Johnston attended the “Stop the Steal” rally in Washington, D.C. on January 6. At some point in the day, he traveled to the U.S. Capitol Building. According to an FBI Special Agent assigned to the case, Johnston illegally entered the Capitol at 3:08 p.m. through the Senate Wing Door. Once inside the Capitol, Johnston was seen on security camera footage walking around the building, before being confronted by a Capitol police officer. Johnston left the building shortly after, at 3:17 p.m. While inside, Johnston was seen on third-party and security footage taking pictures and videos, and talking into what appeared to be a microphone.
Johnston was charged with four misdemeanors for his actions: Entering and Remaining in a Restricted Building, Disorderly and Disruptive Conduct in a Restricted Building, Disorderly Conduct in a Capitol Building, and Parading, Demonstrating, or Picketing in a Capitol Building. He faces up to 1.5 years in prison and up to $200,000 in fines if convicted.
Johnston was 18 when the alleged crimes were committed on January 6, 2021. At the time, he was living in Valley City. Up to February 26, 2024, he served as the Vice Chairman of the North Dakota Young Republicans. In 2022, he unsuccessfully ran for Valley City School Board. He was working as a diesel mechanic, and was a Valley City volunteer firefighter.