Pennsylvania Man Charged for Jan. 6 Capitol Breach Role

A Pennsylvania man has been slapped with felony and misdemeanor charges for his alleged actions during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. Gerald ‘Jeremiah’ Powell, 51, of York, Pennsylvania, is accused of disrupting a joint session of the U.S. Congress.

Powell is charged with one felony count of civil disorder and four misdemeanor counts: entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building or grounds, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building or grounds.

The FBI arrested Powell on May 9, 2024, in Pennsylvania. He made his initial appearance today in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

According to court documents, Powell was identified as present among a crowd of rioters on the east front of the Capitol grounds at approximately 1:56 p.m. on Jan. 6, 2021. He allegedly turned back as others surged forward, but then dragged bike rack barricades to the side, expanding the opening for rioters to move forward toward the Capitol.

Powell entered the Capitol at about 2:40 p.m. via the East Front Doors, waving an American flag and proceeding into the Rotunda. He then produced a bullhorn and used it for approximately one minute before exiting the building at approximately 2:52 p.m.

This 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. The investigation remains ongoing, with over 1,424 individuals charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol.

A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.