Christopher Worrell, a member of the far-right Proud Boys group who was involved in the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol, has been taken into custody after evading capture for over a month. He was apprehended by FBI agents in Naples, Florida, as he was attempting to covertly return home. Worrell was found unconscious in his residence and is currently in the hospital. The FBI discovered night-vision goggles, $4,000 in cash, and survivalist gear in his home. Worrell had been convicted of seven counts, including assaulting officers and obstructing an official proceeding during the Capitol attack.
In August, Worrell failed to appear for his scheduled sentencing hearing in Washington, D.C., and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. The FBI had issued an alert seeking assistance in locating and apprehending him. Prosecutors had recommended a 14-year prison sentence, while Worrell’s defense attorney argued for 30 months of home detention due to a health condition. Worrell’s case gained attention when the judge held the jail warden in civil contempt for failing to provide proper medical care to the defendant. Worrell was released to home confinement during the litigation. It is unclear when he will appear in federal court in Washington, D.C., for sentencing.
Worrell’s capture comes after a prolonged search, during which he evaded law enforcement. The discovery of night-vision goggles, significant cash, and survivalist gear suggests that Worrell may have been planning to go into hiding for an extended period. His case highlights the ongoing legal repercussions for individuals involved in the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol and the efforts by law enforcement to bring them to justice. The delay in Worrell’s sentencing due to his disappearance further complicates the legal proceedings surrounding his case.
