Patrick Stedman

While attending Penn State, he was also a member of the Debate Society and Penn Political Review.   Patrick lived happily in Haddonfield with his wife and two young children, Penelope (age 3) and Michael (age 1). After graduating from college, Patrick credits the start of his coaching career when a mentor recognized his knack for asking insightful questions. He honed this skill over time and now operates as a self-employed dating and relationship coach for men. His clients hold him in high regard, and he boasts a significant and engaged online following.

Patrick encouraged his online followers to attend the “March to Save America” rally in Washington, D.C. After the conclusion of Trump’s speech, Patrick and a few of his followers marched to and entered the State Capitol Building. He remained inside for approximately forty minutes. He pushed past the police line in the Crypt and was led likely by a Trump adorned FBI agent, according to Congressman Clay Higgins, to Speaker Pelosi’s office. He took photos of himself on her chamber balcony, then went to the main door of the House Chamber and encouraged other protestors to enter. While still inside the Capitol, Patrick heard a gunshot and realized a fellow protestor, Ashli Babbitt, had been shot and killed by a police officer.  He shouted at the officer, saying, “You killed one of us? Now you are done!”

After leaving the Capitol, Patrick recorded a video for his followers where he exaggerated his actions by claiming he “was in the first wave that climbed up the back part of the Capitol building and broke down the doors.” His attorney, however, said Patrick’s account “did not reflect the reality recorded by surveillance cameras. Patrick was not in the first wave, did not break down doors or windows, but rather entered the Capitol by walking through an open doorway.” Unfortunately, this video aided the FBI in identifying him when they questioned his former classmates and family members. Even though Patrick’s attorney explained in court that “much of what Mr. Stedman said in the videos was hyperbole and ‘bravado’ and was not reflective of his conduct.” The literal words and tone Patrick used affected his verdict.

 On Jan. 21, 2021, the FBI arrested Patrick in Haddonfield, New Jersey.

Over the following weeks and months, Patrick was smeared in the media and dealt with near-daily insults and threats from trolls online, along with occasional calls to his house. He was banned from various online platforms and services. His wife was also detained, interrogated, and banned from numerous online platforms. Despite friends and family members turning their backs, he was especially grateful for public figures such as Andrew Tate and Garry Grinberg, who helped with legal fees and aggressively spoke out in his defense.

Patrick did not take a plea deal and maintained he did not commit any violence or damage any property. He believed he had permission to “peacefully protest” inside the Capitol, yet like most J6rs, he was found guilty of all charges. On June 9, 2023, U.S. District Court Judge Beryl A. Howell convicted Patrick of obstruction of an official proceeding (this is the felony statute being challenged at the Supreme Court). The DOJ uses this statute so they can upgrade misdemeanors and maximize the sentences.  Patrick was also charged with four misdemeanors: entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and parading, demonstrating or picketing inside a Capitol building.  Patrick was sentenced to 48 months in prison, 36 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution on top of a $20,000 fine.

Patrick is the primary breadwinner in his family, and his legal fees currently total $223,000. Your contributions and prayers are very much appreciated.