Montgomery County Police Officer Indicted for Involvement in January 6 Insurrection; Recently Involved in Shooting Death of Suspect Armed With Butcher Knife

According to the United State’s District Attorney’s Office, Montgomery County Police Officer Justin Lee, 25, of Rockville, has been charged in a seven-count indictment that was unsealed today in the District of Columbia with offenses including assaulting a law enforcement officer and obstructing, impeding, or interfering with a law enforcement officer during a civil disorder.  Lee is accused of “entering and remaining in the U.S. Capitol grounds while the Vice President was and would be temporarily visiting without lawful authority to do so and engaging in disruptive conduct, physical violence, and disorderly conduct while on restricted grounds of the Capitol.”  Montgomery County Police released the following statement announcing his supension:

“The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) announces the suspension of Officer Justin Lee without pay as a result of his involvement and subsequent indictment in connection with the events of the January 6 insurrection. In July of 2023, MCPD was informed that Officer Justin Lee was the subject of an FBI investigation. Prior to his suspension, Lee had been on administrative leave for his involvement in the shooting death of an armed suspect on July 22. The Maryland Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division is currently overseeing the investigation into this incident to ensure a thorough and impartial examination of the facts.

Lee has not been performing the duties of a police officer since the July 22 shooting incident. His suspension without pay is a direct result of his arrest related to the January 6 insurrection. Upon investigation, it was determined that Lee participated in the January 6 insurrection prior to being hired as a Montgomery County Police Officer. His application for employment with the department was submitted in July of 2021, approximately six months after the events of January 6. His date of hire with the MCPD was January 31, 2022.

The Montgomery County Police Department conducts a thorough background investigation as part of its standard hiring process to ensure the suitability of candidates for employment. Lee’s involvement in the January 6 insurrection was not discovered during this process, as he was not identified by the Justice Department in connection with the event.

In light of Lee’s arrest, he has been suspended without pay, and the department is taking steps to terminate his employment. MCPD takes these matters seriously and is dedicated to taking decisive action when necessary. As a result, we are initiating a comprehensive review of our background investigation process to determine whether adjustments need to be made.

The Montgomery County Department of Police remains unwavering in our dedication to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and integrity. The actions of one individual do not define the entire department. We will continue to ensure that our officers uphold the values that reflect the best interests of the residents of Montgomery County.”