Louisiana Father and Son Arrested on Felony and Misdemeanor Charges for Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach
Louisiana Man Sentenced on Felony Charge for Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach
September 13, 2024 - WASHINGTON— A Louisiana man was sentenced on Sept. 12, 2024, after he previously pleaded guilty to felony and misdemeanor charges 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.
Willard Purkel, 51, of Covington, Louisiana, was sentenced to 60 days in prison, nine months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution by U.S. District Chief Judge James E. Boasberg. Purkel pleaded guilty on June 3, 2024, to a five-count indictment charging him with civil disorder, a felony, and misdemeanor offenses of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.
According to court documents, on Jan. 6, 2021, Purkel trespassed over the restricted perimeter around the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., and went to the east side of the building. There, Purkel, was among a crowd of rioters who forced their entry into the Capitol building via the East Rotunda Doors.
Willard Purkel (circled in yellow) and Colby Purkel (indicated with a green box) in the photograph.
At about 3:07 p.m., a group of rioters were attempting to enter the building through the East Rotunda Doors while another group was trying to exit. Meanwhile, police officers were working to close the doors to stop the influx of rioters into the building. Purkel then joined the rioters as they pushed against the police, which temporarily prohibited the officers from closing the doors.
Around 3:21 p.m., the East Rotunda Doors were again opened in an effort to expel rioters from the building. As this occurred, the rioters, including Purkel, forced their way through the doors, streaming into the lobby outside of the Rotunda. Purkel then joined a crowd that pushed against police officers who were attempting to prohibit rioters from entering the Rotunda. Purkel and the mob were successful in breaking though, and entered the Rotunda around 3:25 p.m.
The FBI arrested Purkel on Nov. 30, 2023, in Louisiana.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana provided valuable assistance.
This case was investigated by the 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.
In the 44 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,504 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 560 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.
Source: DOJ Release
