Woodstock woman and ‘zip-tie guy’ son sentenced on Jan. 6 charges

Lisa Marie Eisenhart and her son, Eric Munchel, also known as the “zip-tie guy,” have received prison sentences for their involvement in the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot.

Eisenhart, aged 59, and Munchel, aged 32, were part of a small group of mother-son pairs charged in connection with the riot, which resulted in members of Congress evacuating their chambers as confrontations between angry protesters and law enforcement took place in an attempt to breach the Capitol.

Eisenhart has been sentenced to 30 months in prison, following a sentencing hearing in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. Munchel has received a 57-month prison term.

Both individuals will also serve an additional three years on probation after their release.

The pair had previously been found guilty in a one-day bench trial held in April. Each faced two felony charges, including obstruction of an official proceeding and conspiracy to commit obstruction. 

Additionally, Munchel, who was seen wearing a Taser on his belt during the riot, was convicted of three additional felonies related to carrying a dangerous weapon into the Capitol. 

They were also found guilty of several misdemeanors related to their unlawful entry into the Capitol.

During the chaos of January 6, 2021, a striking image emerged of Munchel, who Internet sleuths nicknamed the “zip-tie guy.” 

He was captured in a photo wearing black tactical gear and holding a handful of plastic wrist restraints as he leaped through the Senate gallery. Eisenhart wore a tactical vest over her plaid flannel shirt as she and her son entered and moved through the Capitol.

Prosecutors used their attire as evidence that they were prepared for violence on January 6 and were willing to engage in it. Security cameras and Munchel’s cell phone, which was mounted on his vest, recorded their movements. 

Prosecutors cited Eisenhart’s vocal encouragement of other rioters to fight with the police, Munchel’s decision to carry a Taser, and statements made before, during, and after their entry into the building as evidence of their intent to disrupt the electoral count.

In a recorded statement while standing in front of the Capitol, Munchel said to his mother “Probably the last time I’ll be able to enter the building with armor and (expletive) weapons. I guess they thought we were playing!”

Eisenhart and her son were among the initial individuals from Georgia arrested shortly after the Capitol riot and spent approximately 11 weeks in jail before being granted bond at the end of March 2021.

As part of the broader investigation into the events of January 6, a total of 28 people with connections to Georgia have faced charges. Nationally, the investigation has resulted in charges against more than 1,146 individuals.