A Charleston-area man has pled guilty to his role in the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Christopher George Rockey, 54, admitted to a felony charge of assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers.
Court documents reveal Rockey traveled from Cross, South Carolina, to Washington, D.C., to attend former President Donald Trump’s speech. He then proceeded to the Capitol Building, entering around 2:30 p.m. through the Senate Wing Door.
Prosecutors detailed how Rockey made his way to the Rotunda and toward the House Chamber, encountering police officers trying to stop the advancing crowd. Rockey and other rioters pushed past the officers, and he exited the building around 2:44 p.m.
Later, on the Upper Terrace’s north side, Rockey joined other rioters. Around 4:35 p.m., law enforcement began clearing the area when Rockey approached officers, ignored commands, and grabbed a riot shield. He then pulled down another officer’s riot shield and grabbed a baton to prevent law enforcement from clearing the terrace.
District Court Judge Rudolph Contreras set Rockey’s sentencing date for November 12, 2024.
