Matthew Martin faced four federal charges as a result of entering the U.S. Capitol building during the January 6 protests.
He was charged Martin with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; disorderly conduct which impedes the conduct of government business; disruptive conduct in the Capitol buildings; and pandering, demonstrating, or picketing in Capitol buildings.
During the trial last week, Martin’s attorneys noted how Capitol police let him into the building, leading him to believe that it was okay to enter.
Martin said that Capitol guards opened the doors to the rotunda and let them in.
Judge Trevor McFadden of the U.S. District Court for the District of Washington said that Martin’s defense was "plausible" and noted that "people were streaming by and the officers made no attempt to stop the people."
McFadden added, “I do think the defendant reasonably believed the officers allowed him into the Capitol.”