Louisiana man sentenced on felony charge for actions during Jan. 6 Capitol breach

A Louisiana man was sentenced recently after he previously pleaded guilty to a felony charge related to his conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions, and the actions of others, disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

Colby Purkel, 27, of Covington, La., was sentenced to 21 days in prison, 12 months of supervised release, 100 hours of community service and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution by U.S. Chief Judge James E. Boasberg. Purkel previously pleaded guilty to a felony offense of civil disorder.

According to court documents, Purkel traveled to Washington, D.C., with his father and others. On Jan. 6, 2021, Purkel made his way to the east side of the Capitol building, where he joined a group of rioters who were forcibly attempting to enter the building via the East Rotunda doors.

At approximately 3:07 p.m., the rioters attempted to enter the Capitol through these doors while another group was attempting to exit. At the same time, law enforcement authorities sought to shut these doors to prevent the rioters outside from entry. To enter the building, Purkel joined the group of rioters outside in a collective push, that temporarily blocked police from closing the doors.

At around 3:21 p.m., police opened the doors to expel rioters from the building. The crowd outside, including Purkel, then used its collective strength to forcibly enter the building. Once inside, Purkel and the crowd forced their way through a line of police officers into the Rotunda. A group of police officers eventually surrounded the rioters, and Purkel was escorted outside the building.

Nevertheless, Purkel continued to illegally remain on the Capitol grounds. Eventually he walked to the west side of the building, joining other rioters, as police attempted to clear the area.

The FBI arrested Purkel in Louisiana in November 2023.

This case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

This case was investigated by the FBI’s New Orleans and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

Since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,470 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 530 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

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