After Pleading Guilty To U.S. Capitol Riot Charge, ‘Lectern Guy’ Will Write Book: Report

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Parrish, Florida, man who was photographed smiling as he carried U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s lectern during the Jan. 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol pleaded guilty Monday to federal charges in Washington D.C.

Adam Johnson, 36, pleaded guilty to entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds, according to CNN.

Johnson, referred to as many by "lectern guy," was arrested Jan. 8 after a photo of him carrying a U.S. House lectern through the Capitol building went viral. He was part of a pro-Donald Trump mob protesting Joe Biden's win over Trump in the 2020 presidential election. The lectern was later found in the Red corridor of the Capitol's Senate wing, reports said.

As part of his plea deal, two additional federal charges, which included theft of government property, will be dropped.

He faces up to six months in prison and will also have to pay $500 in restitution, reports said.

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Johnson also told the court that he is considering writing a book about his experiences Jan. 6. As part of his plea deal, he said the government can seize any money he makes from the publication over the next five years.

Senior U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton admonished Johnson in court Monday.

"What concerns me, sir, is that you were gullible enough to come to Washington, D.C., from Florida based on a lie," Walton said, "and the person who inspired you to do what you do is still making those statements, and my concern is that you are gullible enough to do it again."

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According to the Bradenton Herald, the judge asked Johnson, “So why shouldn’t I lock you up sir? Why should I think that you won’t do this again?”

Johnson told Walton that his actions on Jan. 6 were “irreprehensible” and that he is taking responsibility for them.

He added, “This was my first protest and my last protest.”