A South Carolina resident, Derek Cooper Gunby, has been sentenced to 60 days in prison for his involvement in the January 6, 2021 breach of the U.S. Capitol. Gunby was found guilty by a federal jury on November 13, 2023, on four misdemeanor charges related to entering and remaining in restricted areas and engaging in disorderly conduct during the event.
Gunby traveled from Anderson, South Carolina to Washington D.C., attending the "Stop the Steal" rally before heading towards the Capitol building. Evidence presented during his trial included social media posts and videos he recorded while at the scene. In one such video, Gunby stated: “I think that the building’s been breached... We’re trying to head up and get in there.” He also encouraged others by shouting: “Push forward! Push forward!”
Despite being expelled from the Capitol building by police officers shortly after entering through the Senate Parliamentarian Door around 2:58 p.m., Gunby remained on restricted grounds for over two hours.
The FBI arrested Gunby on August 10, 2021. The case was prosecuted by both the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Assistance came from multiple law enforcement agencies including FBI field offices and local police departments.
Since January 6, 2021, more than 1,572 individuals have faced charges related to their actions during the Capitol breach with investigations still ongoing. Those with information can contact authorities through provided channels.