Zachary Alam, 34, a convicted rioter from the January 6 Capitol insurrection, has been sentenced to seven years in prison after breaking into a Virginia family’s home and ransacking it. The sentence, which also includes a suspended sentence of 33 years, was handed down by a Henrico County judge this week.
The Burglary Incident
On May 8, 2025, Alam entered a home in Henrico County, Virginia, through a back door around 11 p.m. He spent 10 to 15 minutes searching through the residence, stealing personal items. The family living there confronted him, and Alam reportedly gave excuses for being there before leaving the scene. Law enforcement officers were called, tracked Alam to a nearby neighborhood, and arrested him.
During sentencing, prosecutors highlighted the trauma experienced by the family and the loss of their possessions.
A History of Criminal Behavior
Alam is no stranger to law enforcement, particularly federal authorities. On January 6, 2021, Alam was among the rioters who illegally entered the U.S. Capitol building. He was seen yelling at U.S. Capitol Police officers and was involved in pushing through the line of officers. Alam also destroyed property, including breaking glass, and encouraged fellow rioters to obtain firearms.
He was arrested on January 30, 2021, in Denver, Pennsylvania, and later convicted in September 2023 of eight felonies related to the Capitol riot, including assaulting officers and destruction of government property. Alam was sentenced to eight years in prison for his role in the insurrection.
Presidential Pardon
Despite his conviction for the Capitol riot, Alam was pardoned on January 20, 2025, by President Donald Trump, along with over 1,500 other individuals involved in the January 6 events. However, Alam’s latest criminal actions have led to his new sentence, which serves as a reminder of his ongoing legal troubles.
