New York Man Pleads Guilty to Felony in Capitol Riot Case
A New York resident has admitted to committing a felony during the January 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol, which interrupted the joint session of Congress tasked with certifying the 2020 presidential election results.
Christopher Douglas Finney, 32, from Hopewell Junction, New York, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of civil disorder. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden, with sentencing scheduled for January 24, 2025.
According to court documents, Finney traveled from New York to Washington, D.C., to participate in a rally on January 6, 2021. While near the Washington Monument, Finney recorded himself discussing plans to “storm the Capitol” to ensure that “Donald Trump is still our president.” He was equipped with plastic goggles, a protective vest, flex cuffs, a canister resembling a chemical spray container, and a knife in a hip holster.
Finney breached the restricted area around the Capitol, encouraging the crowd to follow him as he moved toward the West Lawn. He documented his advance, including scaling a wall and approaching the Senate Wing Doors. Finney entered the Capitol at approximately 2:14 p.m., briefly encountering police before retreating through a broken window, only to re-enter through the same doors. Inside, he navigated the Crypt and the Office of the Attending Physician corridor before exiting through the Memorial Doors.
Later, Finney joined other rioters on the Lower West Terrace. Here, some carried makeshift weapons and attempted to breach a police line. In the fray, Finney participated in a group push against law enforcement, making contact with officers. He remained within the restricted perimeter until nightfall, recording the violent confrontations between rioters and officers.
The FBI apprehended Finney on February 8, 2024, in New York. The case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, with support from the Southern District of New York.
The FBI’s New York and Washington Field Offices are leading the investigation, aided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.
In the 45 months since the Capitol breach, over 1,532 individuals across nearly all 50 states have been charged with various offenses, including more than 571 accused of assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation continues.
