August 13, 2026

Pardoned Jan. 6 Defendant Guilty of Assault on Train

Bryan Betancur, a resident of Silver Spring, Maryland, was found guilty of simple assault in Washington, D.C., Superior Court. He was convicted for touching a woman’s hair on a Metro Red Line train in February and sharing the video on social media.

The victim expressed how the incident has deeply affected her, stating, “I think about this video every single day. I think about this video every time I get on the Metro, which is twice every single day.” She testified that it has made her feel paranoid and exposed in public.

Judge described the act as “a creepy thing to do.” The charge, a misdemeanor, could lead to a maximum sentence of 180 days in jail. Betancur has served 125 days already, following a bail violation order in April.

Prosecutors plan to pursue more jail time rather than counting his time served. Besides potential jail time, Betancur might face a $1,000 fine. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for Thursday afternoon.

Betancur is also looking at additional charges. He faces a stalking charge in Washington, D.C., and another assault and battery charge in Arlington, Virginia. The Arlington case involves a similar incident where Betancur allegedly livestreamed himself while touching another woman’s hair on a train.

Authorities have noted that Betancur claims to be a white supremacist. During the Jan. 6 insurrection, he was photographed with a Confederate flag. It was part of a broader federal case, as he had been on parole for burglary, with an ankle monitor, when he took part in the Capitol insurrection. He initially received a jail sentence but later received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump.

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