Two Michigan Men Arrested on Felony Charges for Actions During January 6 Capitol Breach

Defendants Accused of Interfering with Law Enforcement During a Riot

WASHINGTON - Two Michigan men have been arrested on felony charges, including interference with a law enforcement officer during a civil disorder, for their actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Their actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the presidential election.

Kyle Mlynarek, 27, of Redford, Michigan, is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with interfering with law enforcement during a civil disorder, entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, and disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds. Ronald Balhorn, 53, of Garden City, Michigan, is charged with interfering with law enforcement during a civil disorder, entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds with a dangerous weapon, and disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds with a dangerous weapon. Mlynarek and Balhorn were both arrested today in Redford and Garden City, respectfully, and are expected to make their initial appearances later today in the Eastern District of Michigan.

According to court documents, on Jan. 6, 2021, Mlynarek and Balhorn were among a mob illegally massed on the Northwest lawn of the Capitol grounds at approximately 2:00 p.m. when they attempted to prevent a group of officers from responding to the Lower West Terrace. Mlynarek and Balhorn were observed in the group of rioters and appeared to be pushing against the group of officers.

Following this encounter, they proceeded to the Upper North Terrace, where they appeared to have an altercation with a U.S. Capitol Police officer. Mlynarek and Balhorn then proceeded to the West side of the terrace and entered the Capitol shortly after it was first breached by the mob. They remained in the building for nearly half an hour while Balhorn carried with him a wooden club or stick. Mlynarek later posted images of himself and Balhorn inside the building on social media.

This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.

The case is being investigated by the FBI's Detroit Field Office and the FBI's Washington Field Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

In the 24 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 950 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including over 284 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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