South Carolina Man Faces Prison for Assaulting Capitol Police

WASHINGTON – A South Carolina man pleaded guilty to assaulting law enforcement during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol, potentially exposing officers to harm.

Christopher George Rockey, 54, of Cross, South Carolina, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers before U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras. Rockey faces up to 10 years in prison and a potential fine of $250,000 at his sentencing on Nov. 12, 2024.

According to court documents, Rockey traveled from South Carolina to Washington, D.C., to attend the former President’s speech on the Ellipse and later walked toward the Upper West Terrace of the Capitol building. Rockey entered the building at approximately 2:23 p.m. via the Senate Wing Door. He made his way into the Rotunda and toward the House Chamber, eventually joining a group of rioters who pushed past police officers.

After exiting the Capitol, Rockey joined up with other rioters on the Upper Terrace on the north side of the Capitol building. At approximately 4:35 p.m., law enforcement officers began attempting to clear this area of rioters. Rockey then made his way toward the officers, ignored police commands, and grabbed a police officer’s riot shield, potentially exposing the officer to harm.

Rockey’s actions were part of an effort by the mob to stop law enforcement from advancing and clearing the Upper Terrace of rioters. His decisions were reckless and potentially deadly, putting the lives of police officers at risk.

The FBI arrested Rockey on Dec. 13, 2023, in South Carolina, and he is now facing the consequences of his actions. 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, with valuable assistance provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

The Jan. 6 breach of the U.S. Capitol was a violent and deadly attack on our democracy, and those responsible must be held accountable. Rockey’s guilty plea is a step in the right direction, but there is still much work to be done to ensure justice is served.

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov. In the 41 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,450 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 500 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony.