DILLON — Henry Muntzer, a business owner in Dillon, has become the first person in Montana to be charged in connection with the January 6th storming of the U.S. Capitol.
According to federal charging documents, Muntzer faces federal charges of unlawful entry to restricted building or grounds, and disorderly conduct. The affidavit alleges Muntzer was among the protesters who forced their way into the U.S. Capitol while Congress was verifying the electoral college vote.
The FBI alleges Muntzer was seen on television news video inside the Capitol and also appeared in a Youtube video where he allegedly admitted to being inside the Capitol.
Muntzer was arrested on January 18th in Dillon and jailed in Missoula, where he appeared in federal court on Thursday.
Muntzer, who is the owner of Dillon Appliance repair shop, painted a mural on his building last year, which espouses some strong political feelings and some conspiracy theories. The murals on his building certainly created a lot of conversation and controversy among some people in Dillon.
“I appreciate the fact that in the United States we have First Amendment rights and people can put whatever they want on their own building, but it’s a bad example for Dillon, I don’t agree with it (the mural) at all and I’d like to see it gone,” said Dillon resident George Johnston.
During Muntzer's court appearance on Thursday, Judge Kathleen DeSoto placed him on pre-trial supervision. He is not allowed to have any firearms and is not allowed to travel outside of Montana unless he has to go to D.C. in connection with the charges. Judge DeSoto noted that the allegations were troubling and voiced concerns about releasing Muntzer.
His next court appearance has been scheduled for January 28 at 1 p.m. in a D.C. courtroom via Zoom.
