Washington, D.C./ Crime & Emergencies
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Published on May 02, 2024
Palm Harbor Man Charged With Felony for Alleged Role in Jan. 6 Capitol RiotSource: Wikipedia/No machine-readable author provided. Klaus with K assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A Florida man was apprehended on charges related to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, federal prosecutors announced. Michael Hennessey, a 38-year-old resident of Palm Harbor, stands accused of felony civil disorder among other misdemeanor charges.

Hennessey's arrest today stems from his alleged participation in the Capitol breach that interrupted the electoral vote certification. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the Florida man traveled to Washington to partake in "Stop the Steal" rally and later advanced toward the Capitol, passing police barriers and entering restricted areas. An open-source video has allegedly captured Hennessey climbing the Capitol's stairs and entering the building mere minutes after the first breach.

The DOJ's filing claims Hennessey was at the forefront of the crowd inside the Capitol, engaging in chants and facing off against Capitol Police officers. It's alleged he pushed past a police line in the Crypt and entered offices, including that of the House Majority Leader. He is also said to have joined another mob that pushed against officers in the Rotunda, an iconic area within Capitol.

With police regaining control and ushering rioters out, Hennessey is alleged to have spent 56 minutes inside before exiting. However, he reportedly remained on the Capitol grounds and was seen amongst rioters who had gathered around media equipment left by journalists. His initial appearance is expected in the Middle District of Florida, with the case being investigated by the FBI's Tampa and Washington Field Offices.

Since the Capitol riot, over 1,385 individuals from nearly all states have been charged, according to the DOJ. Nearly 500 face felony charges for assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The pursuit for justice remains rigorous as investigations continue.