Gregory Purdy, Assault on Law Enforcement, Washington District of Columbia 2021

In a shocking turn of events, three men from New York have been arrested for their involvement in the January 6 Capitol breach. Gregory Purdy, a 23-year-old from Hopewell Junction, and his uncle Robert Turner, 39, of Poughkeepsie, are facing felony charges, including civil disorder and assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers. Purdy’s brother Matthew Purdy, 22, also from Hopewell Junction, has been charged with misdemeanor offenses.

According to court documents, video footage shows Gregory Purdy, his brother, and Turner amongst a group standing outside the U.S. Capitol, opposite a group of officers attempting to protect the building. At approximately 2:01 p.m., the footage shows Gregory Purdy and Turner in a crowd pushing the police line, and both make contact with police. Purdy, his brother, and Turner entered the Capitol at approximately 2:13 p.m. and remained there for at least a few minutes.

Gregory Purdy is seen on video footage telling officers outside the Capitol, “We’re on the same team. You don’t have to take these orders.” He later said, “Are you guys going to let us in or are we gonna have to push in?” At various times, he appeared to wave others in the crowd behind him to move forward. At approximately 3:30p.m., he yelled to the crowd, “Guys, we all gotta go at once.” He then counted down from ten to one, Upon reaching one, he ran forward into an officer and pushed his way past the police line. Turner also ran forward and pushed against officers.

The case is being 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 Central District of California and the Southern District of New York.

Gregory and Matthew Purdy were arrested on November 10, 2021, and Robert Turner was arrested on November 22, 2021. All were released pending further proceedings. In the ten months since January 6, more than 675 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including over 210 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov. The charges contained in any criminal complaint or indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Related Federal Cases