Former Capitol Rioter Receives New Prison Sentence
A Virginia man who received a presidential pardon for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol attack has now been sentenced to seven years behind bars in a separate burglary case.
Zachary Alam, 34, was convicted after prosecutors said he broke into a home near Richmond, Virginia, in May 2025 while residents were inside. According to court records, Alam stole jewelry and electronic devices before fleeing the scene.
A jury later found him guilty of breaking and entering and grand larceny. The judge handed down lengthy prison terms for both charges but suspended most of the punishment, leaving Alam with an active seven-year sentence and decades of probation following release.
Violent January 6 History Returned to Spotlight
Alam had already served several years in federal prison for his role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot before being granted clemency along with hundreds of other defendants.
Federal prosecutors previously described him as one of the most aggressive rioters during the attack on the Capitol. Court testimony showed he assaulted police officers, threw objects at law enforcement, and shattered glass panels near the area where rioter Ashli Babbitt was later fatally shot.
Investigators also said Alam encouraged other rioters to return with weapons during the chaos inside the Capitol building.
Burglary Arrest Came Months After Presidential Pardon
Authorities said Alam entered the Virginia home by pretending he was there to repair internet service. After confronting the family inside, he allegedly fled the property with stolen valuables.
Police later located him in a nearby neighborhood and arrested him shortly after the incident.
During sentencing, prosecutors reportedly introduced recorded phone conversations in which Alam defended his actions during the Capitol riot, claiming he believed he had acted correctly.
Legal observers say the case may be among the first involving a January 6 defendant facing serious criminal punishment after receiving a presidential pardon tied to the Capitol attack.
