Two New York Men Arrested for Assault on Law Enforcement During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

  Three New York men have been arrested for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, which disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress that was in the process of ascertaining and counting the electoral votes related to the presidential election.

 Gregory Purdy, 23, of Hopewell Junction, and his uncle, Robert Turner, 39, of Poughkeepsie, are charged with felony offenses of civil disorder and assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers, among other charges. Purdy’s brother, Matthew Purdy, 22, also of Hopewell Junction, is charged with misdemeanor offenses. Gregory and Matthew Purdy were arrested on Nov. 10, 2021, and Robert Turner was arrested on Nov. 22, 2021. All were released pending further proceedings.

 According to court documents, video footage shows Gregory Purdy, his brother, and Turner amongst a group standing outside the U.S. Capitol, opposite a group of officers attempting to protect the building. At approximately 2:01 p.m., the footage shows Gregory Purdy and Turner in a crowd pushing the police line, and both make contact with police. Purdy, his brother, and Turner entered the Capitol at approximately 2:13 p.m. and remained there for at least a few minutes. A little over an hour later, Gregory Purdy is seen on video footage telling officers outside the Capitol, “We’re on the same team. You don’t have to take these orders.” Gregory Purdy later said, “Are you guys going to let us in or are we gonna have to push in?” At various times, he appeared to wave others in the crowd behind him to move forward. At approximately 3:30p.m., he yelled to the crowd, “Guys, we all gotta  go at once.” He then counted down from ten to one, Upon reaching one, he ran forward into an officer and pushed his way past the police line. Turner also ran forward and pushed against officers.

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 Central District of California and the Southern District of New York.

 The case is being investigated by the FBI’s New York, Los Angeles, and Washington Field Offices. Assistance was provided by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Capitol Police.

 In the ten months since Jan. 6, more than 675 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including over 210 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.

The charges contained in any criminal complaint or indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.