Virginia Man Charged with Burglary Amid Ongoing Fallout from Capitol Riot and Legislative Debates
Overview of the Incident
Zachary Jordan Alam, a 33-year-old resident of Centreville, Virginia, now faces felony burglary charges due to his involvement in the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot. This incident follows his earlier pardon for actions during the riot, which included breaking the door panel that Ashli Babbitt tried to breach before police shot her. On May 9, 2025, police arrested Alam in a neighborhood outside Richmond after responding to a report of breaking and entering.
Details of the Burglary Charge
Henrico County police report that Alam entered a home through a back door and took several items before the residents confronted him. Officers found him nearby and arrested him. The court has scheduled a preliminary hearing for Alam’s burglary case for late June in Henrico County. His attorney, Dannie Sutton, has not yet provided a comment on the situation.
Background on the Capitol Riot
On January 6, 2021, thousands of supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the certification of Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 election. During the riot, Alam was part of a group that aggressively confronted law enforcement. Additionally, this group attempted to breach secure areas of the Capitol. A federal judge later sentenced him to eight years in prison for his actions, labeling them as violent and aggressive.
Ashli Babbitt’s Case and Settlement
In a related development, the Trump administration agreed to pay $5 million to Ashli Babbitt’s family. During the riot, a Capitol police officer shot and killed Babbitt, a U.S. Air Force veteran, as she attempted to enter the House chamber while it was still in session. This settlement resolves a wrongful death lawsuit that her family filed, initially seeking $30 million.
Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger expressed disappointment over the settlement. He stated that it sends a troubling message to law enforcement officers. Authorities cleared the officer involved in Babbitt’s shooting of any wrongdoing.Investigations concluded that he acted in self-defense and in defense of members of Congress.
The Broader Context of the Capitol Riot Aftermath
The January 6 riot resulted in over 1,500 criminal cases, with more than 900 individuals pleading guilty and around 200 convicted. Alam is not the only rioter facing legal issues after receiving a pardon from Trump. For instance, shortly after receiving his pardon, another rioter, Matthew Huttle, was fatally shot by a sheriff’s deputy.
On his first day back in office, Trump issued a blanket pardon for many individuals charged in connection with the Capitol riot. This included those accused of assaulting police officers. This decision has drawn criticism from various quarters, including former Capitol Police officers who feel betrayed by the pardons.
The Current Legislative Landscape
As the nation reflects on the events of January 6, Congress grapples with significant legislative issues, including the “One Big Beautiful Bill” act. This budget bill has become a focal point of recent congressional discussions, featuring provisions related to Medicaid cuts and tax reforms. The House of Representatives plans to vote on this bill soon, with debates concentrating on its implications for social security and healthcare.
What’s in the Big Beautiful Bill?
The “One Big Beautiful Bill” aims to address various budgetary concerns. These include potential cuts to Medicaid, which provides health insurance for millions of Americans. As Congress deliberates, questions arise about the impact of these cuts on vulnerable populations and the overall effectiveness of the proposed tax reforms.
Implications for Justice and Legislative Action
The legal repercussions of the Capitol riot continue to unfold. Individuals like Zachary Alam face new charges even after receiving pardons. Meanwhile, the legislative landscape remains contentious as Congress debates the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” This could significantly affect healthcare and taxation in the United States. As these developments progress, they will undoubtedly shape the political discourse leading up to the 2025 elections and beyond.
