- Net worth
- Unknown
- Crimes
- january 6, obstruction, conspiracy, weapons
- Convicted of
- Conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding; obstruction; entering restricted grounds with deadly or dangerous weapon (Jan. 6 Capitol breach)
- Original sentence
- 135 months (11 years 3 months) imprisonment; $30,000 fine; $2,000 restitution (December 2023)
- Time served
- ~13 months before pardon
Background
Alan Hostetter is a former police chief from La Habra, California. He was convicted in the District of Columbia of conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding and related charges for his role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack and was sentenced to 11 years and three months in prison—among the longest sentences in January 6 cases.
The Case
Following a bench trial, Hostetter was found guilty of four felonies: conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of an official proceeding and aiding and abetting, entering and remaining in a restricted building with a deadly or dangerous weapon, and disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building with a deadly or dangerous weapon. He drove from California to Washington, D.C., with weapons including hatchets, knives, stun batons, and pepper spray. He carried a hatchet in his backpack, pushed through a police line on the west side of the Capitol, and declared that “the people have taken back their house.” The sentencing judge stated that the First Amendment does not give anyone the right to obstruct, impede, or carry weapons into restricted areas. His conduct was part of the January 6 attack, which disrupted the certification of the presidential election, injured law enforcement, and damaged public trust in the peaceful transfer of power. He was sentenced in December 2023 to 135 months in prison, a $30,000 fine, and $2,000 in restitution.
The Pardon
On January 20, 2025, President Trump granted Hostetter a full pardon under a proclamation covering certain offenses relating to the events at or near the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Sources
- President Trump’s Proclamation Granting Pardons and Commutations for Jan. 6 Offenses (DOJ)
- Granting Pardons and Commutation of Sentences (White House, Jan 20, 2025)
- California Man Found Guilty of Conspiracy and Other Charges Related to Jan. 6 Capitol Breach (DOJ USAO-DC, July 2023)
- Alan Hostetter sentenced to 11 years for Jan. 6 role (CBS News, Dec 2023)
- Full List of People Pardoned | January 6th (jan-6.com)