In September 2023, Zachary Alam was convicted of eight felonies related to his activities inside the Capitol on January 6. He was sentenced to eight years in prison and three years of supervised release. However, in January 2025, Alam was released after receiving a pardon from President Donald Trump.
Alam’s actions inside the Capitol stand out. In his sentencing memorandum, prosecutors stated that Alam intentionally placed himself in front of the mob as they attempted to breach the Speaker’s Lobby doors. “I’m going to fuck you up,” Alam yelled at officers before shattering multiple windows with his fist. He was arrested later that month after his mother helped the FBI identify him.
During Alam’s sentencing, WUSA9 reported that Alam told the court, “Not only are we expecting a pardon, we are demanding a pardon.”
A few weeks after Alam’s release, J6ers Josh Macias and Ray Chambers announced that they were establishing a group home for formerly incarcerated J6ers in Richmond’s Northside neighborhood. Zachary Alam was identified as one of the residents in their Safe Haven program by Adam Villarreal, who has since moved out of the area. Villarreal stated that he left the Richmond facility due to “unstable and unsafe conditions.” Villarreal had been wanted by the FBI for his actions on January 6 but was never charged.
Villarreal said that Alam wandered 100 miles away, was picked up by police in Washington, D.C., and placed in a hospital.
Another resident of Safe Haven has been hospitalized. Mr. Alam wandered off and was found by police 100 miles from the facility. J6ers — even the unpopular, even the forgotten — deserve dignity. This isn’t about politics. This is about the system that failed him, and continues to fail us. What’s been taken from you? What will you fight to take back? https://t.co/rd40C4QNkp— Adam and Beth Villarreal (@Bethcoogan6255) April 23, 2025
On May 9, Alam was arrested in Henrico County for burglary and destruction of property related to a May 8 incident in Varina. The charges include entering a house at night, a Class 3 felony that carries a penalty of 5 to 20 years in prison. The location of the alleged burglary is approximately seven miles from the J6er group house.
Alam’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 24.
Another J6er who claimed residence at the group home is Thomas Tatum, a former Mississippi resident who was charged for his alleged involvement in the January 6 attack—an arrest that was even celebrated by some online. Tatum referred to the house as a “time bomb.” He said the Safe Haven was promoted on social media by Adam Villarreal to generate clout and donations.
According to Tatum, the house was “an unregulated, unsafe environment filled with active substance abusers [and] untreated trauma victims.” He also alleged that he was violently assaulted by Alam before leaving the residence.
Coming soon, the J6 Media Room. I need J6 / patriotic themes / ideas, posters, t-shirts, etc. for the walls here. pic.twitter.com/T2Y3HQdAj0
— @BenKaxton (TOMMYTATUMNEWS), March 29, 2025
Tatum had been excited about building a media room at the Richmond group home, but since then, the dream appears to have unraveled.
The Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and the On Your Six Foundation were contacted for comment but did not respond.
Read more from Goad Gatsby HERE
Main image: Zachary Alam on January 6, 2021 via Department of Justice.
Support RVA Magazine. Support independent media in Richmond.
In a world where corporations and wealthy individuals now shape much of our media landscape, RVA Magazine remains fiercely independent, amplifying the voices of Richmond’s artists, musicians, and community. Since 2005, we’ve been dedicated to authentic, grassroots storytelling that highlights the people and culture shaping our city.
But we can’t do this without you. A small donation, even as little as $2 – one-time or recurring – helps us continue to produce honest, local coverage free from outside interference. Every dollar makes a difference. Your support keeps us going and keeps RVA’s creative spirit alive. Thank you for standing with independent media. DONATE HERE.
Also, you can show your support by purchasing our merch HERE.
