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Press Release

New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty to Felony Charge for Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Columbia

            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.

            Larry Fife Giberson, 22, of Manahawkin, New Jersey, pleaded guilty in the District of Columbia to one count of civil disorder. U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Nichols scheduled a sentencing hearing for Nov. 1, 2023.

            According to court documents, on Jan. 6, 2021, at approximately 3:08 p.m., Giberson entered the Lower West Terrace tunnel on the Capitol grounds and made his way toward the front of the line of rioters engaged in an assault against the police. At this time, an MPD officer was crushed between rioters and the tunnel doors for several seconds. While this was occurring, court documents say that Giberson was still at the front line of the tunnel fighting with police officers.

            At 3:14 p.m., court documents say that Giberson retreated from the front line but remained inside the tunnel. One minute later, Giberson rushed from inside the tunnel towards the entryway and began waving rioters into the tunnel. Giberson then ushered rioters into the tunnel for several seconds and then returned to the tunnel to participate in a coordinated push against the police line.

            Giberson was arrested on March 14, 2023, in New Jersey, and faces a statutory maximum of five years in prison, as well as potential financial penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

            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.

            This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Newark Field Office and the Washington Field Office, which identified Giberson as #515 on its seeking information photos. Valuable assistance was provided by the Princeton Police Department, Princeton University Department of Public Safety, U.S. Capitol Police, and the Metropolitan Police Department.

            In the 30 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,069 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 350 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.

            Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

Updated August 4, 2023

Topic
Violent Crime