Kevin Lyons, a 40-year-old father from Chicago, has been handed a sentence of more than four years in federal prison for his involvement in the Capitol storming on January 6. Lyons, who described himself as an “idiot,” admitted to stealing a wallet and a framed photo of the late civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis from the office of then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Lyons was previously found guilty on multiple charges, including obstruction of an official proceeding, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building, as well as entering and remaining in a restricted building. U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell, while pronouncing the sentence of 51 months (four years and three months), highlighted the rarity of having a defendant like Lyons, who described his childhood as “perfect,” appear before her. Judge Howell firmly stated that Lyons had no valid excuse for his actions.
The judge expressed her disbelief at Lyons joining the mob in harassing law enforcement officers, hurling derogatory slurs such as “f—ing Nazi bastards!” and “SS!” Given the nature of the attack on the U.S. Capitol, Judge Howell considered it one of the most fascistic acts she had witnessed. She pointed out the irony in Lyons referring to officers as Nazis “when the shoe is on the other foot,” emphasizing that it was the mob that resembled the Nazis and fascists that day.
During the incident, Lyons recorded himself stealing a wallet containing approximately $150 in cash from a staff member’s jacket. He also took a framed photograph that was a gift to Pelosi, depicting her and Lewis at the historic “Door of No Return” in Elmina Castle, Ghana. Lewis, a member of the Freedom Riders and a prominent figure in the 1963 March on Washington, had suffered a skull fracture while attempting to march across the Selma bridge in 1965. The photograph symbolized the countless Africans who passed through that door en route to enslavement.
Lyons left the Capitol using an Uber ride back to Chicago, according to federal prosecutors. Later that night, he sent his friends a picture of the stolen photograph, proudly admitting his actions and declaring himself a “multiple Federal felon.” Unfortunately, the stolen photograph was never recovered.
Prior to his sentencing, Lyons addressed the judge, explaining his financial struggles, including outstanding child support payments. However, Judge Howell dismissed his justification, stating that Lyons should have prioritized fulfilling his responsibilities instead of participating in the riot. Lyons expressed remorse for his actions during the Capitol attack, acknowledging the shame he felt and apologizing to the court, the nation, and his family.
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The Justice Department has charged over 1,000 individuals in connection with the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, with at least 335 receiving prison sentences. The department has made it clear that its commitment to holding the Jan. 6 defendants accountable remains unwavering, as investigations continue and additional individuals involved are identified by online researchers.
