Chicago Man Charged with Felony and Misdemeanor Offenses for Conduct During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

Press Release

WASHINGTON - A Chicago man has been charged with felony and misdemeanor offenses related to his alleged conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His alleged 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.

Patrick Gorski, 27, of Chicago, Illinois, is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with a felony offense of Obstruction of Law Enforcement During Civil Disorder. In addition to the felonies, Gorski is charged with four misdemeanor offenses, including entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

The FBI arrested Gorski on Nov. 21, 2024, in Chicago, and he made his initial appearance in the Northern District of Illinois.

According to court documents, on Jan. 6, 2021, Gorski attended the "Stop the Steal" rally at the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., before joining a group marching toward the U.S. Capitol building. Upon reaching the Capitol's west side, Gorski climbed a wall onto the northwest stairs, taking selfies and assisting other rioters. He then entered the Inaugural scaffolding, helped remove tarps, and passed a bike rack to others in the mob.

Later, Gorski moved to the northwest lawn and joined rioters surrounding Capitol Police officers, filming interactions and urging officers to "just go inside." There, Gorski yelled, "this is our house!" while continuing with the group as they forced police toward the building. Remaining on the west side, Gorski then joined a mob gathered near a police line by the Inaugural stage, chanting, "let us in!"

After the police line broke, rioters rushed the Inaugural stage, and Gorski carried a flag up the stairs to the Lower West Terrace. From a balcony, Gorski displayed the flag as rioters advanced. Around 2:42 p.m., Gorski entered the Lower West Terrace Tunnel, the site of some of the most violent attacks against law enforcement that day, where he joined others pushing against officers. Despite being hit with O.C. spray, Gorski continued pushing forward, yelling, "This is our house!" and engaging with officers before leaving the tunnel.

It is alleged that Gorski later entered the Capitol through the Senate Wing door around 3:14 p.m., interacting with officers inside. He then briefly exited the building but stayed on Capitol grounds. Around 3:36 p.m., Gorski attempted to re-enter the building through the East Rotunda Doors, where police had regained control. There, Gorski argued with another rioter who was attempting to clear a path for police officers and later blocked police efforts to close the door. After being sprayed with O.C. spray Gorski again retreated to the east stairs.

Gorski remained on Capitol grounds until leaving the area sometime before 6:00 p.m. Court documents say that Gorski's conduct throughout the day demonstrated active participation in the events at the Capitol, including climbing structures, assisting other rioters, confronting police, and attempting multiple entries into the building.

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 Northern District of Illinois.

This case is being investigated by the FBI's Chicago and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

In the 46 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,561 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 590 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.

A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Updated November 22, 2024