A New Jersey man has pleaded guilty to a felony charge for his involvement in the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Larry Fife Giberson, 22, admitted to one count of civil disorder for his actions during the joint session of the U.S. Congress that was convened to determine and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election. Court documents reveal that Giberson entered the Lower West Terrace tunnel on the Capitol grounds and was actively engaged in an assault against the police. He then proceeded to usher rioters into the tunnel and participated in a coordinated push against the police line. Scheduled for a sentencing hearing on November 1, 2023, Giberson faces a maximum of five years in prison along with potential financial penalties.
Man Pleads Guilty to Felony Charge
A New Jersey man, Larry Fife Giberson, pleaded guilty to a felony charge for his actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Mr. Giberson’s actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election. The specific charge that Mr. Giberson pleaded guilty to is civil disorder. U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Nichols has scheduled a sentencing hearing for November 1, 2023.
Details of the Plea
According to court documents, on January 6, 2021, at approximately 3:08 p.m., Mr. Giberson entered the Lower West Terrace tunnel on the Capitol grounds and made his way toward the front of the line of rioters engaged in an assault against the police. During this time, an MPD officer was crushed between rioters and the tunnel doors for several seconds. Court documents indicate that Mr. Giberson was still at the front line of the tunnel fighting with police officers during this incident. At 3:14 p.m., Mr. Giberson retreated from the front line but remained inside the tunnel. One minute later, he rushed from inside the tunnel towards the entryway and began waving rioters into the tunnel. Mr. Giberson then ushered rioters into the tunnel for several seconds and then returned to the tunnel to participate in a coordinated push against the police line.
Sentencing Hearing Scheduled
Mr. Giberson will face a sentencing hearing on November 1, 2023. The federal district court judge presiding over the case will determine his sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The statutory maximum for the charge of civil disorder is five years in prison, and Mr. Giberson may also face potential financial penalties.
Actions During the Capitol Breach
Mr. Giberson’s actions during the Capitol breach were outlined in the details of the plea. He entered the Lower West Terrace tunnel and positioned himself at the front line of rioters engaged in an assault against the police. His actions contributed to the obstruction and violence that occurred during the breach.
Entering the Lower West Terrace Tunnel
At approximately 3:08 p.m. on January 6, 2021, Mr. Giberson entered the Lower West Terrace tunnel on the Capitol grounds. This tunnel was a key location where rioters clashed with law enforcement officers during the breach. Mr. Giberson positioned himself at the front of the line of rioters, actively participating in the assault against the police.
Assault on Police Officers
During the breach, an MPD officer was crushed between rioters and the tunnel doors for several seconds. Court documents reveal that Mr. Giberson was still at the front line of the tunnel fighting with police officers during this incident. His actions contributed to the assault on law enforcement and the injuries sustained by officers.
Involvement in Coordinated Push
After retreating from the front line of the tunnel at 3:14 p.m., Mr. Giberson remained inside the tunnel. One minute later, he rushed from inside the tunnel towards the entryway and began waving rioters into the tunnel. This coordinated action resulted in the entry of more rioters into the confined space. Mr. Giberson then returned to the tunnel to participate in a push against the police line, further escalating the violence and chaos.
Returning to the Tunnel
Mr. Giberson’s decision to return to the tunnel after waving rioters in demonstrates a continued involvement in the breach. By actively participating in the attack on law enforcement and encouraging others to join in, his actions contributed to the overall disruption and violence that occurred.
Waving Rioters In
By waving rioters into the tunnel, Mr. Giberson actively facilitated their entry into the restricted area. This action not only violated the security protocols and barriers put in place to protect the Capitol but also led to an increased number of individuals engaging in destructive and dangerous behaviors.
Arrest and Potential Penalties
Mr. Giberson was arrested on March 14, 2023, in New Jersey. He now faces serious legal consequences for his actions during the Capitol breach. If convicted, Mr. Giberson could potentially receive a maximum sentence of five years in prison, as well as financial penalties.
Arrest Details
The arrest of Mr. Giberson took place in New Jersey on March 14, 2023. Law enforcement agencies were able to apprehend him and bring him into custody, ensuring that he will face the legal consequences of his actions.
Maximum Sentence and Financial Penalties
As previously mentioned, the maximum sentence for the charge of civil disorder, to which Mr. Giberson pleaded guilty, is five years in prison. This sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge, taking into account various factors, including the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. In addition to the possibility of imprisonment, Mr. Giberson may also face financial penalties as part of his sentence.
Prosecution and Investigation
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is responsible for prosecuting the case against Mr. Giberson. They will present the evidence and arguments necessary to secure a conviction based on the charges he has pleaded guilty to. The Department of Justice’s National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section is also involved in the prosecution, underscoring the significance of Mr. Giberson’s actions in the context of national security.
Prosecution by U.S. Attorney’s Office
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is handling the prosecution of Mr. Giberson. As the leading law enforcement agency in the district, they have the legal authority and responsibility to hold individuals accountable for their actions during the Capitol breach.
Involvement of National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section
Given the potential impact on national security, the Department of Justice’s National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section is lending their expertise and resources to the prosecution of Mr. Giberson. This involvement highlights the gravity of his actions and emphasizes the commitment to addressing threats against the United States.
Investigating Agencies and Assistance
Multiple law enforcement agencies played a crucial role in the investigation leading to Mr. Giberson’s arrest. The FBI’s Newark Field Office and the Washington Field Office identified Mr. Giberson as a person of interest. Additionally, valuable assistance was provided by the Princeton Police Department, Princeton University Department of Public Safety, U.S. Capitol Police, and the Metropolitan Police Department.
Involvement of FBI’s Newark Field Office
The FBI’s Newark Field Office played a significant role in the investigation that led to Mr. Giberson’s arrest. Their expertise and resources were instrumental in identifying him as a potential suspect involved in the Capitol breach.
Assistance from Law Enforcement Agencies
In addition to the FBI, other law enforcement agencies provided valuable assistance in the investigation. The Princeton Police Department, Princeton University Department of Public Safety, U.S. Capitol Police, and the Metropolitan Police Department all worked together to gather evidence, collaborate on identifying suspects, and ensure a comprehensive investigation.
Scope of Capitol Breach Investigation
The investigation into the Capitol breach has been extensive and has resulted in numerous arrests across the United States. Over the course of 30 months since January 6, 2021, more than 1,069 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol. Among those arrested, over 350 individuals have been charged specifically with assaulting or impeding law enforcement.
Number of Arrests Made
In the aftermath of the Capitol breach, law enforcement agencies have been actively pursuing investigations and making arrests. As of now, there have been over 1,069 arrests made across the country in connection with the breach. This significant number underscores the widespread repercussions for those involved in the attack on the Capitol.
Charges for Assaulting or Impeding Law Enforcement
Among the individuals arrested for their involvement in the Capitol breach, over 350 have specifically been charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. These charges reflect the seriousness of the offenses committed and highlight the determination of law enforcement to hold those responsible accountable.
Reporting Tips and Ongoing Investigation
To aid in the ongoing investigation, individuals with relevant information or tips can contact the FBI. The designated hotline for reporting tips is 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). Additionally, tips can be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov. By providing information, the public can assist law enforcement in identifying and apprehending individuals involved in the Capitol breach.
Contact Information for Tips
For individuals who wish to report tips related to the Capitol breach, the FBI has set up a dedicated hotline. The number is 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). This hotline allows individuals to provide valuable information to aid in the ongoing investigation.
Status of the Investigation
The investigation into the Capitol breach remains ongoing, with law enforcement agencies dedicated to identifying and apprehending all individuals involved. The cooperation of the public through tips and information is vital in ensuring a thorough and comprehensive investigation.
Commitment to Treating Crime Victims with Respect
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is committed to treating crime victims with compassion, fairness, and respect. In cases like the Capitol breach, where individuals have been harmed or threatened, providing support and assistance to victims is a priority.
Efforts to Reduce Gun Crime in America
In addition to addressing the specific incidents related to the Capitol breach, law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are actively working to reduce gun crime in America. This broader commitment to public safety involves implementing strategies, initiatives, and programs aimed at preventing and addressing gun-related offenses throughout the country.