House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's lectern, stolen in Capitol riot, returned

The photo of a smiling and waving accused rioter carrying it off went viral.

ByAdia Robinson
January 13, 2021, 4:35 PM

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's lectern, seen being carried off in the Capitol riot in a photo that went viral, has been returned.

The distinctive lectern was placed for an "engrossment" ceremony of the House impeachment resolution in the Capitol's Rayburn Room, according to pool reporters.

PHOTO: The Speaker's podium, which had been photographed in the arms of a rioter during the siege of the Capitol on Jan. 6, is seen in the Rayburn Reception Room at the U.S. Capitol, Jan. 13, 2021.
The Speaker's podium, which had been photographed in the arms of a rioter during the siege of the Capitol on Jan. 6, is seen in the Rayburn Reception Room at the U.S. Capitol, Jan. 13, 2021.
Pool/ABC News

Pelosi was expected use it to speak after Wednesday's vote to impeach President Donald Trump for "incitement of insurrection."

PHOTO: A lectern belonging to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is moved through Statuary Hall for a news conference, Jan. 13, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
A lectern belonging to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is moved through Statuary Hall for a news conference, Jan. 13, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The news conference is scheduled after a vote on an article of impeachment against President Donald Trump for his role in inciting an angry mob to storm the Capitol last week.
Susan Walsh/AP

Los Angeles Times staff photographer Kent K. Nishimura tweeted that an aide said "Yes, it’s THE lectern," as it was being set up.

PHOTO: A pro-Trump rioter carries the lectern of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi through the Roturnda of the U.S. Capitol Building after a pro-Trump mob stormed the building, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, DC.
A pro-Trump rioter carries the lectern of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi through the Roturnda of the U.S. Capitol Building after a pro-Trump mob stormed the building, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, DC.
Win Mcnamee/Getty Images

Adam Johnson, 36, of Parrish, Florida, allegedly stole Pelosi's lectern during the riot. He was arrested after federal investigators said he was the man seen smiling in photos carrying the lectern through the Capitol Rotunda.

Johnson has been charged with "one count of knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; one count of theft of government property; and one count of violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds," according to U.S. Attorney's office. He was released on $25,000 bond Monday.

PHOTO: This booking photo released by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office in Florida shows Adam Johnson.
This booking photo released by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office in Florida shows Adam Johnson.
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office/AFP via Getty Images

Federal investigators said Senate staff found the lectern the day after the riot. It has an approximate value of $1,000.

Johnson was ordered to appear in federal court in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 19. One of his attorneys told reporters that Johnson would not be making any statements.

Related Topics