Covington man pleads guilty in Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol breach case
Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
COVINGTON, La. (WGNO) — A 27-year-old Covington man has pleaded guilty to a felony charge for his actions during the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol breach.
The U.S. Department of Justice reports Colby Purkel pleaded guilty to a federal count of civil disorder.
He was initially charged in November last year, along with his father, 51-year-old Willard Purkel.
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On top of the felony charge, the two were also charged with they were charged with the misdemeanor offenses of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and 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.
Court documents state the Purkels joined a crowd of rioters who forcibly entered the Capitol. They allegedly pushed against authorities, who were trying to close the building’s doors, and made their way into the building.
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Additionally, the duo is accused of illegally remaining on the Capitol grounds after protestors were escorted out of the building. Documents state Willard had climbed on top of an armored truck before walking with his son to the other side of the building. The duo allegedly remained at the scene while authorities were clearing the area.
Colby is set to be sentenced on Aug. 1.
His father’s trial hasn’t started yet, according to DOJ officials.
Since the day of the breach, there have been 1,385 individuals charged in nearly all 50 states for the crimes related to the event.
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