Topline
A Proud Boy convicted over his involvement in the U.S. Capitol attack went missing days before his Friday sentencing, provoking a search from law enforcement.
Worrell has a warrant out for his arrest after disappearing before his Friday sentencing. (AP … [+]
Key Facts
Christopher Worrell was found guilty of assaulting officers with pepper spray during the January 6 Capitol riot and has a bench warrant out for his arrest Friday after he failed to show up to his sentencing, which has been canceled.
Prosecutors have asked the presiding judge to sentence Worrell to 14 years in prison, noting a lack of remorse and lies told by the Florida man while under oath.
Worrell, a self-identified member of the Proud Boys, a far-right group, was convicted on seven charges including obstruction of an official proceeding and engaging in violence on Capitol grounds.
Worrell was on house arrest in Florida in the lead-up to the sentencing.
Crucial Quote
“An arrest warrant has been issued and we are interested in hearing from any members of the public who might have information on Mr. Worrell’s whereabouts,” Patricia Hartman, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, told Forbes.
Key Background
Worrell was initially arrested in March 2021 and at one point, faced up to 20 years in prison for the multiple charges levied against him. An FBI agent recommended charges against Worrell in a filing containing multiple photos of the Proud Boy at the U.S. Capitol attack on January 6. Worrell’s defense claimed he was spraying other rioters instead of U.S. Capitol Police officers, a claim that U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth considered “preposterous,” adding that Worrell’s testimony was undermined by contradictions and false statements. Worrell is one of several rioters charged in recent years. As of July, more than 1,100 rioters were charged for their alleged involvement in the January 6 attack, according to NPR.
Further Reading
Jan. 6 Rioter Who Tucker Carlson Said Was An ‘Agent’ Charged In Capitol Attack (Forbes)
Bloodied Butcher Who Launched Bow Like A Spear On Jan. 6 Sentenced To 7 Years In Prison (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/antoniopequenoiv/2023/08/18/proud-boy-convicted-on-jan-6-charges-disappears-before-sentencing-igniting-search-from-authorities/