In a significant development regarding the Jan. 6 Capitol breach, a Chicago man has pleaded guilty to two felony charges related to his actions during the riot. Joseph Pavlik, a retired firefighter, admitted to one count of civil disorder and one count of entering or remaining in a restricted building with a deadly weapon. Pavlik, a member of a militia-style organization known as the Guardians of Freedom, was among the rioters who attempted to push past law enforcement officers to gain access to sensitive areas of the Capitol building. Scheduled for sentencing on December 1, 2023, Pavlik’s guilty plea further underscores the ongoing efforts to hold those responsible for the attack accountable.
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Background
Chicago Man Pleads Guilty to Two Felony Charges in Jan. 6 Capitol Breach
On August 25, 2023, a Chicago man named Joseph Pavlik, a retired firefighter, pleaded guilty to two felony charges related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. The breach occurred during a joint session of the U.S. Congress, convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes for the 2020 presidential election. Pavlik’s actions, along with those of other rioters, disrupted the proceedings. He pleaded guilty to one count of civil disorder and one count of entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon. The sentencing hearing for Pavlik is scheduled for December 1, 2023.
Defendant’s Affiliations
Membership in the B Squad
Association with the Guardians of Freedom and the Oath Keepers
According to court documents, Joseph Pavlik is a member of the B Squad, which is a subgroup of the Guardians of Freedom, a militia-style organization based in Florida. Some members of the Guardians of Freedom adhere to the ideology of the Three Percenters. In addition to his affiliation with the B Squad, Pavlik was associated with the Oath Keepers from 2009 to 2015.
Travel to Washington, D.C.
Date of travel
Purpose of travel
Joseph Pavlik traveled from Illinois to Washington, D.C. on January 5, 2021, along with several other members of the B Squad. The purpose of their travel was to participate in the events surrounding the rally at the Ellipse on January 6.
Security at the Rally
Pavlik and B Squad providing security
Location of the rally
After arriving in Washington, D.C., Joseph Pavlik and other members of the B Squad helped provide security for the rally that took place at the Ellipse. The exact location of the rally was not specified in the available information.
Entry to the Capitol
Joining the rioters at the Lower West Terrace
Attempt to force their way past police officers
Following the rally at the Ellipse, Joseph Pavlik and his group, including other B Squad members, marched to the Lower West Terrace of the Capitol building. At this location, they joined other rioters who were attempting to force their way past the police officers responsible for securing the “Tunnel” entrance. The Tunnel provides immediate and unobstructed access to sensitive areas and offices used by Members of Congress.
Pavlik’s Attire and Actions
Description of Pavlik’s outfit
Engaging in a physical confrontation with law enforcement officers
Joseph Pavlik was wearing a black tactical vest, a black gas mask, and a black helmet with patches on the side during the breach of the U.S. Capitol. He was also carrying what appeared to be a chemical irritant spray in his hand. Once inside the Tunnel, Pavlik became part of a mob that engaged in a physical confrontation with law enforcement officers. As a result of the actions of the rioters in the Tunnel, the mob was able to penetrate deeper, pushing the police line back. During this time, Pavlik interacted with a police officer and gave him a pair of goggles since the officer was not wearing any protective eye gear. However, despite being ordered to leave the grounds by the officer, Pavlik did not comply.
Interaction with Police Officers
Giving goggles to an officer
Order to leave the grounds
Joseph Pavlik gave a pair of goggles to a police officer who was not wearing any protective eye gear. This interaction occurred while inside the Tunnel at the Capitol. However, even after this interaction, Pavlik received an order from the officer to leave the grounds. However, he did not comply with this order.
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Capture on Video
Pavlik’s presence on restricted Capitol grounds
Struggle with a law enforcement officer
Video footage captured Joseph Pavlik on restricted Capitol grounds at approximately 3:09 p.m. He was seen with numerous members of the B Squad. Around 4:08 p.m., Pavlik was involved in a struggle with a law enforcement officer who was wearing a body-worn camera. The tussle was recorded on video by another officer who was standing on a ledge. Pavlik was also captured on video on the Capitol grounds as late as 5:05 p.m.
Tips and Contact Information
Contact information for tips
FBI’s involvement in the case
If anyone has any information or tips related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, they can contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324). Alternatively, they can visit tips.fbi.gov to provide any relevant information. The FBI has been involved in the investigation of this case, along with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Assistance was also provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois, the U.S. Capitol Police, and the Metropolitan Police Department.
In the 31 months since the breach of the U.S. Capitol, over 1,106 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the incident. This includes more than 350 individuals who have been charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement officers. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies have been instrumental in holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
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