WASHINGTON (WVUE/Louisiana Illuminator) - A father and son from Covington were arrested Thursday (Nov. 30) in Louisiana for being part of the mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, 2021, to stop Congress’ certification of presidential electoral votes.
Willard Purkel Jr., 51, and Colby Purkel, 27, are charged with felony civil disorder and multiple misdemeanor charges, according to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. They were apprehended Thursday and made their initial federal court appearance in New Orleans on Friday.
Willard Purkel was released on a $50,000 bond and Colby Purkel was released on a $5,000 bond. Per the bond agreement, neither of them can own guns. They testified that they relinquished their weapons to family members and will not have access to them.
Court documents indicate the Purkels joined a crowd of rioters who forcibly entered the Capitol through its East Rotunda doors, pushing police who tried to close the entrance. They allegedly forced their way into the lobby outside the Rotunda and joined others to access the Rotunda itself.
Investigators subpoenaed the Purkels’ cellphone data to track their movements through the Capitol, according to a statement of facts accompanying their warrant.
The Purkels were escorted along with other protestors outside of the Capitol building but remained on the Capitol grounds after being ordered to leave, the court documents said. While outside, Willard Purkel allegedly climbed atop an armored truck before he and his son walked to the west side of the building. They and other rioters remained on the grounds while police tried to clear the area, authorities claim.
Misdemeanor charges against the Purkels include 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 or grounds, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.
Since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,200 people from nearly all 50 states have been charged with crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, according to federal authorities. More than 400 have been charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony.
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