Louisiana Man Pleads Guilty to Capitol Breach Charges

A Louisiana man has pleaded guilty to felony and misdemeanor charges for his role in the January 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol.

Willard Purkell, 51, of Covington, Louisiana, was charged with civil disorder, a felony, and misdemeanor offenses of entering 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.

Purkell pleaded guilty in District Court to a five-count indictment, and U.S. District Chief Judge James E. Boasberg will sentence him on September 12, 2024.

According to court documents, Purkell trespassed over the restricted perimeter around the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. on January 6, 2021, and made his way toward the east side of the building. He was among a crowd of rioters who forced their entry into the Capitol building via the East Rotunda Doors.

Purkell joined with a crowd of rioters as they pushed against police officers, temporarily preventing them from closing the doors. At 3:21 p.m., the East Rotunda Doors were reopened in an effort to expel rioters from the building, and Purkell and the mob used their force to collectively push their way through the doors, streaming into the lobby outside of the Rotunda.

Purkell was arrested by the FBI on November 30, 2023, in Louisiana, and was charged with his crimes. 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 FBI’s New Orleans and Washington Field Offices investigated the case, and more than 1,424 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol since January 6, 2021. Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.