COVINGTON, La. — A Northshore man pleaded guilty on Monday on felony and misdemeanor charges related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, according to Nola.com.
Willard Purkel Jr., 51 pleaded guilty to one felony charge for civil disorder and four misdemeanor counts, our partners reported.
Purkel along with his son Colby Purkel, 27, attended the riots. According to court documents, the Purkels joined a group of rioters who forcibly entered the Capitol through the East Rotunda doors and pushed against police officers at approximately 3:21 p.m.
Both men were eventually escorted outside by authorities, which led to Willard Purkel climbing atop an armored truck before walking with his son to the west side of the Capitol, where they remained until officers attempted to clear the area.
The FBI arrested the two men in Covington last year on Nov. 30. Colby Purkel pleaded guilty in April and his sentence is scheduled on Aug. 1.
Willard Purkel Jr. faces up to eight years in prison, but could get a "a far more lenient sentence."
His sentence is scheduled for Sept.12 in Washington.
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