Source: United States Department of Justice
WASHINGTON – A New Jersey man pleaded guilty today to a felony charge for his actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. His 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.
Peter Michael Krill, Jr., 55, of Sewell, New Jersey, pleaded guilty in the District of Columbia to a felony count of civil disorder before U.S. District Chief Judge James E. Boasberg. Judge Boasberg scheduled a sentencing hearing for Jan. 9, 2024.
According to court documents, Krill traveled from his home in New Jersey to attend the “Stop the Steal” rally on Jan. 6, 2021. After the rally, Krill, wearing camouflage pants, a “Trump 2020” sweatshirt, a helmet, and goggles, walked to the U.S. Capitol building with a large crowd to protest Congress’ certification of the Electoral College.
At approximately 1:35 p.m., Krill moved to the front of a large crowd that had begun clashing with United States Capitol Police and Metropolitan Department Police officers along the permitter of bike rack barriers on the West Front of the Capitol grounds. Krill then grabbed part of the bike rack barricade and pulled it away from the officers, causing a confrontation between police and rioters. A group of protestors, including Krill, then broke through the perimeter.
Later, at about 2:36 p.m., Krill unlawfully entered the Capitol building via the Upper West Terrace door and went to the Rotunda. At approximately 3:00 p.m., a group of police officers entered the Rotunda and began to clear the room of rioters, including Krill; however, court documents say that Krill disregarded commands to leave the Rotunda and instead attempted to hold his position. Krill exited the Capitol building via the East Rotunda doors at about 3:23 p.m.
Krill was arrested on Dec. 15, 2022, by the FBI in New Jersey.
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. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and District of New Jersey.
This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office’s Capital Area Resident Agency and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.
In the 33 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,100 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 400 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.