Proud Boy Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Jan. 6 Attack on Capitol
A fugitive from Florida who evaded authorities for six weeks after his conviction in a Jan. 6 case has been sentenced to 10 years in prison, according to federal prosecutors. Christopher Worrell, 52, was apprehended at his residence in Naples, triggering a nationwide manhunt. A judge in Washington had found him guilty in May of assaulting police during the attack on the U.S. Capitol. Worrell, a member of the Proud Boys, used pepper gel against Capitol Police officers during the chaos. He was convicted on six felony charges and a misdemeanor.
The Arrest and Escape
Worrell’s arrest came after he attempted to covertly return to his home, where the FBI had been staking out the residence. However, he resorted to a desperate measure, faking a drug overdose to deceive officers and FBI agents who entered the premises. Consequently, he was admitted to the hospital for five days, causing a delay in his capture.
Worrell’s Criminal Acts
During the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, Worrell played an active role in the violence. As a member of the Proud Boys, he unleashed pepper gel on Capitol Police officers while the pro-Trump mob assaulted law enforcement. Prosecutors revealed that Worrell recorded himself on video enthusiastically proclaiming, “Yeah! Taking the Capitol!” after witnessing the mob overpower the police line. Such acts resulted in his conviction on multiple felony counts and a misdemeanor.
Sentencing and Response
Following his capture, Worrell was sentenced to 10 years in prison by the judge. His lawyer did not issue an immediate comment after the sentencing. Prosecutors, in a memorandum submitted prior to the sentencing, emphasized that Worrell’s flight demonstrated his lack of intention to surrender. They also highlighted the delaying tactic he employed by feigning a drug overdose. This tactic resulted in a five-day hospital stay before doctors cleared him.
Read More of this Story at www.nbcnews.com – 2024-01-05 05:17:00
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