It was like a party. Fitzgerald was not among the 13 charged in federal court Thursday. Media coverage of the events identified Packer, a Newport News man with a full gray beard who was seen in footage wearing a sweatshirt with the words CAMP AUSCHWITZ outside and inside the Capitol on Jan. 6. The time stamp on the video is 7:21 p.m. Washington time. A spokeswoman for. Rukstales was one of a small number of Capitol riot defendants who were actually arrested on Jan. 6. They were the latest in a series of posts Fitzgerald uploaded to social media over the last few days documenting his road trip to Washington, a visit to the Lincoln Memorial and the pro-Trump demonstrations. "Tom has served our country in a long and distinguished career in the U.S. military. Bradley Rukstales, 52, of Inverness, was arrested by the Capitol Police and David Fitzgerald, 48, of Roselle, was arrested by the Washington Metropolitan police. On Feb. 12, Steele-Smith pleaded not guilty. Another suburban man also was arrested Wednesday, according to the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia. Bradley Rukstales, a now-former CEO of a data analytics firm named Cogensia, was allegedly among those who were arrested inside the Capitol building after they "willfully refused the order to . Rukstales, 52, has been a campaign contributor to Trump and was the CEO and president of Cogensia, a marketing consulting firm based in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. @properties said in a statement that agent Libby Andrews was in Washington, D.C., during the riots at the U.S. Capitol and has since been terminated "effective immediately. "This decision was made because Rukstales' actions were inconsistent with the core values of Cogensia," Schlitz said in a statement. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Entering and remaining in a restricted building, Disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building, Violent entry and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, Parading demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. As Rukstales descended the stairwell to the CVC less than 30 seconds after besieged officers were forced to hastily retreat down it chairs that had been thrown at those officers lay strewn about the floor. Bradley F. Rukstales is a white man from Illinois, United States. My decision to enter the Capitol was wrong, and I am deeply regretful to have done so. Fitzgerald also was charged with a curfew violation. When I learned about the rally on January 6, it seemed to me that momentum was growing, and that the event would be an important constitutional moment in our republics history. Rukstales is the CEO of a suburban Illinois company. They released the statement below. Heres how, Deans Weekender: Ashanti & Ja Rule take the stage, 4th grader reports Fridays weather forecast, Best athletic wear for kids joining baseball and, How to watch all the Oscar-nominated movies in style, Best smart home devices for older users, according, Vigils being held Saturday for fallen officer, Weekend Break: Chicagos birthday celebration, Indiana state trooper hit, killed in the line of, Man found shot, unresponsive in Rogers Park home, Back-to-back hurricanes more likely to happen: Study, Al-Qaida chiefs pattern of life was key to death, Hospital bills $847 facility fee for Zoom call, Whats next in unprecedented case of truck driver. Sidorski was charged with four counts related to violent entry into the restricted grounds of the Capitol, CNN reported. Controversy over display by wife of @properties CEO reignites after Trump rally. Cogensia terminated Bradley Rukstales from his position as CEO of the business located in suburban Chicago. In a moment of extremely poor judgment following the Jan. 6 rally in Washington, I followed hundreds of others through an open set of doors to the Capitol building to see what was taking place inside, he said in part. U.S. Capitol Police, who are charged with protecting Congress, turned to other law enforcement for help with the mob that overwhelmed the complex and sent lawmakers into hiding. Without qualification and as a peaceful and law-abiding citizen, I condemn the violence and destruction that took place in Washington.. I think very highly of Tom and Sharon.". When it comes to personal life, Bradley Rukstales hasn't spoken much about his love life. Cogensia condemns what occurred at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, and we intend to continue to embrace the values of integrity, diversity and transparency in our business operations, and expect all employees to embrace those values as well, the company said after the arrest. . i was in the wrong place at the wrong time, he insisted. Bradley Rukstales, CEO of marketing consultancy Cogensia, has reportedly acknowledged entering the Capitol during the riots. He had been the chief executive officer of Schaumburg-based tech company Cogensia. Late Friday, a day after he was placed on leave, Cogensia terminated Rukstales. A Chicago real estate agent, who was at the scene that day, was also fired from @properties after posting on social media about her attendance. Mellis was arrested and taken into custody this week at his home in Williamsburg, according to reports. He was among 13 charged with various federal offenses, many for unlawful entry, according to the Department of Justice. I look forward to putting this chapter behind me with the knowledge that in the years to come I will prove myself worthy of forgiveness by living the values that have guided me as a productive and peaceful citizen for the past 53 years.. Officers then took Leffingwell into custody, it said. WASHINGTON A former suburban tech CEO was sentenced to 30 days in jail Friday for his role in storming the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. Their continued encouragement, and the grace they have shown me, are proof that one brief and thoughtless moment does not need to define a persons entire life, he said. Rukstales had previously donated more than $28,000 to Republicans, including $12,000 to Trump via various committees, according to campaign contributions obtained by the station. (Screenshot) A former tech company CEO pleaded guilty Tuesday after admitting to throwing a chair toward police during the Capitol insurrection, but . He was just there to peacefully protest and support President Trump. David Fitzgerald, of Roselle, also faces charges of unlawful entry and a curfew violation, according to Metropolitan police. He called it "the single worst decision of my life" and said he regrets taking part. Court records indicate Fitzgerald pleaded not guilty and is due back before a judge in June. When they stopped him, he allegedly punched a Capitol Police officer repeatedly with a closed fist. The officer was allegedly struck on a helmet and in the chest. On January 8, the company's board of directors fired him as president and CEO of Cogensia marketing firm. So, he has yet to come forth to tell about his possible married life with his wife and having children. The pair were among six individuals positioned toward the front of a crowd close to Capitol Police Officers who were responding to the rioters, a Capitol Police officer said in a statement of fact. Though the company respects diverse political beliefs and the right to peaceful protest, he said, we unequivocally condemn the actions yesterday of the people who crossed police lines, threatened the safety of law enforcement and lawmakers, and attempted to threaten our countrys democratic process. All members of the sextet were arrested. "It turned into chaos," Rukstales said of the riot when he talked to De Mar on Jan. 7. I think its horrible that happened. Fitzgerald's wife told the Chicago Tribune that he was still in custody as of Thursday afternoon, when he was scheduled to be arraigned. In court, Bradley Rukstales, the former CEO ofSchaumburg-based tech company Cogensia,was ordered to pay $500 in restitution in addition to the 30 day sentence. A suburban Chicago man and the CEO of a data analytics firm who was arrested during the U.S. Capitol riot has been charged for his involvement in the events, according to the Department of Justice. Officers said he also carried a gas mask and his backpack contained a pocket knife, a military meal ready to eat or MRE, and a first-aid kit. Bradley Rukstales speaking to local media. His sweatshirt also had a skull on it with the text WORK BRINGS FREEDOM underneath, according to an FBI affidavit. I mean, it was great to see a whole bunch of people together in the morning, and hear the speeches, but, uh, yeah, it turned into chaos, he recalled late Thursday. Here are the Virginia residents who have been charged in connection with the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. I do not condone his actions that have led to those charges. The complaint also said Leffingwell spontaneously apologized for striking the officer.. Were taking it very seriously.. He gave $5,000 to Trumps campaign in October and is a regular contributor to Republican candidates and committees, according to the Federal Election Commission. When do they dye the Chicago River Green? Campaign finance records show that he contributed thousands of dollars to Donald Trumps 2020 campaign. Bradley Rukstales pled guilty to parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol. The death camps gate read, Arbeit mact frei, which translates in English to work makes freedom, the FBI affidavit states. Clouds increase with chance of evening showers, Chicago area escapes brunt of latest storm, but cold, Skilling: Storm out, mild temps in for the weekend, Prep underway for winter storm southwest of Chicago, Chicagos new pro rugby team builds quickly in 2023, Michael Jordan holy grail shoe collection for sale, Photos: Patrick Kane plays his 1st game with Rangers, Blackhawks make three more trades ahead of deadline, Ex-Blackhawk Patrick Kanes Rangers debut spoiled, Last Comiskey: Sox fans film a trip back to 1990s, Want a WGN News Super Fan Friday Flyover? Meanwhile, a Chicago real estate agent who describes herself as a big Trump supporter lost her job for a social media post she made after going to the Capitol. Confrontational Chicago police union boss John Catanzara Jr. wins reelection, Oscar Lawton Wilkerson Jr., last known surviving member of the Tuskegee Airmen in Chicago area, died at 96, When it comes to Madonnas plastic surgery: Its her body and her choice, Here are five takeaways from Chicagos municipal election. Dave LaRock, a Republican member of the Virginia House of Delegates who represents western Loudoun County as well as Clarke and Frederick Counties. In 2020, Rukstales donated to several Republican candidates, including $2,600 to . Wife of missing California DJ says he 'will not be coming back' 7 minutes ago . I have no idea why he went there, she said of the Trump rally. As a successful suburban Chicago businessman with a masters degree who has lived a life free of apparent economic hardship or family strife, Rukstales knew better than to join a mob in breaching the Capitol, hurl a chair in the CVC, and further beleaguer outnumbered and endangered police officers, prosecutors said. Lehr noted that Rukstales traveled from Illinois to attend former President Donald Trumps rally, which devolved into a riot. The head of a marketing firm outside Chicago who was arrested during the Capitol siege says storming the building was the single worst decision of his life. This decision was made because Rukstales actions were inconsistent with the core values of Cogensia. She told the publication she "never saw anything destructive taking place, but that the group she was in sang the national anthem and Twisted SistersWere Not Gonna Take It.". Next time (and there WILL be a next time) we will have learned and we will be stronger, Caldwell said in a message to others after the meeting, according to court documents. CHICAGO (CBS) -- Federal prosecutors have asked for a 45-day sentence for Bradley Rukstales a former tech CEO who pleaded guilty to charges in the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection. / CBS Chicago. He later apologized for his role, saying in part, My decision to enter the Capitol was wrong, and I am deeply regretful to have done so. We will bring the most maximum charges we can, he said. Pro-Trump rioters who invaded the building also stole at least two laptops and one iPad from the offices of three Democratic lawmakers. Its the same charge former Attorney General William Barrs Justice Department told prosecutors to consider levying against those who caused violence at protests last summer over the killings of Black Americans by police. He was fired by the company the same day he was hit with federal charges for his role in the riot. Andrews was fired by @properties after posting on social media about "storming the Capitol," though she said she never entered the building and was unaware anything illegal was happening. Another law-enforcement agency in Washington, the Metropolitan Police Department, said they arrested David Fitzgerald, 48, and charged him with unlawful entry on federal ground and breaking curfew near the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday evening. I think photos for the news were staged. He is the host of Law&Crime podcast "Objections: with Adam Klasfeld.". Additional photos and posts to STEELE-SMITHs Facebook account include a post stating, Weve stormed the castle., On her Facebook page, the FBI found a conversation in which Steele-Smith stated: "I was there. Detectives were questioning a person who was inside the home at the time. A former CEO and Donald Trump donor who stormed the U.S. Capitol and threw a chair in the direction of police officers during the Jan. 6 attack was sentenced to 30 days incarceration on Friday. Only a day after 53-year-old Bradley Rukstales entered the Capitol building, the now-former Cogensia CEO posted a lengthy statement on his Twitter account. Eric Gavalek . A federal judge sentenced a former Schaumburg CEO to 30 days in jail Friday for his role in the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol breach. Rukstales was one of two suburban men arrested and charged during the riot aimed at thwarting a peaceful transfer of power Wednesday, authorities said. The complaint says Alberts had a handgun with one round in the chamber and a full, 12-round capacity magazine, along with a second spare magazine. Fitzgerald's wife told NBC 5 her husband was there "to . 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Illinois CEO arrested during Capitol riots says he was in 'wrong place' at 'wrong time' After he was arrested for unlawful entry, Bradley Rukstales, a Chicago-area CEO, said he regretted. Rukstales also apologized to his family, colleagues and fellow countrymen for his actions. She claimed he did not take part in the storming of the Capitol building. In 2020, Rukstales donated around $27,000 to several Republican candidates, including $2,600 to Donald Trump 's campaign. Here are 13 more things about the Illinois native: (Libby Andrews). David Fitzgerald, of Roselle, also faces charges of unlawful entry and a curfew violation, according to Metropolitan police. Robertson also stated that he was proud of the photo in an Instagram Post that was shared to Facebook, because he was willing to put skin in the game, according to the FBI documents. He has been placed on leave of absence while we assess the situation.. Bradley Rukstales, 53, of Inverness was sentenced to 30 days in prison and ordered to pay $500 in restitution. Earlier this year, Rukstales, of Inverness, pleaded guilty to the following charges for taking part in the Capitol riot. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols also ordered Bradley Rukstales, of Inverness, Illinois, to pay $500 in restitution, court records show. There were signs of a violent riot everywhere, and he willingly joined it, federal prosecutors wrote. Brad was acting as an individual, not as CEO of Cogensia when he was arrested, the spokeswoman told WBEZ. A person who claimed to have worked with Sidorski at ADESA Washington, D.C., a vehicle auction company in the Dulles area, from sometime in 2016 until April 2020 also informed the FBI they received the same video showing a man inside the Capitol with the American Supremacist sweatshirt. Visible in the photographs and videos collected by the FBI is a bearded man identified as Hiles wearing a dark in color sweatshirt bearing the words F*** ANTIFA, a tan in color neck gaiter, baseball cap, and tan in color goggles, according to an FBI affidavit. U.S. attorneys from across the country have vowed to find and bring to justice any residents who participated in the insurrection aimed at thwarting the peaceful transfer of power. Among other things, he is alleged to have explored plans to bring weapons into Washington, D.C., using pickup trucks or boats to transport them across the Potomac River at a critical moment. We are all fools for believing the government and the news on either side.". ", Rukstales, of Inverness, was charged Thursday with "knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; or knowingly, with intent to impede government business or official functions, engaging in disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds; and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.". Sentencing held on 11/12/2021, he was sentenced to 30 days of incarceration. He was. Rioter who brought his 10-year-old to Capitol gets prison time. It was the second inmate death at the jail within two days. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. He later pleaded guilty to count 4. All of those charges are on the table. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Bradley Rukstales was fired as CEO of the marketing firm Cogensia after he was charged in the riots with one count of illegally entering the Capitol and a count of violent entry or disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. I am already working on the next D.C. op.. Supporters of President Donald Trump climb the west wall of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. He has also lived in other parts of the U.S. including California, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. Rukstales issued a statement late Thursday evening, admitting he was among the mob, and said the arrest was his first. That was not his only public statement on the matter. The company said in a news release that Rukstales actions were inconsistent with the core values of Cogensia. Without qualification and as a peaceful and law-abiding citizen, I condemn the violence and destruction that took place in Washington. This is for all of you out there that stuck around and never gave up on the boys in Maize and Blue. RUKSTALES, Bradley Case Number: 1:21-cr-41 Charge (s): Entering and Remaining in a Restricted Building; Disorderly and Disruptive Conduct in a Restricted Building; Violent Entry and Disorderly Conduct in a Capitol Building; Parading, Demonstrating, or Picketing in a Capitol Building Location of Arrest: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, Washington Case Status: He and Sharon have been very supportive of me," said LaRock, who represents Virginia's 33rd District, which includes parts of Clarke, Frederick and Loudoun counties. His wife, Jeanette, said her husband, a disabled veteran, never went into the Capitol building itself. CHICAGO (CBS) -- Federal prosecutors have asked for a 45-day sentence for Bradley Rukstales - a former tech CEO who pleaded guilty to charges in the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection. The FBI has made more than 650 arrests in connection with the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, which represents roughly one-fourth of the total number of people who either unlawfully entered the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6 or committed violence on Capitol grounds. Fitzgerald was not among the 13 charged in federal court Thursday. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Bradley F. Rukstales . The complaint against Alberts alleges he was identified using a Maryland drivers license. She said her social media post about storming the Capitol was made in jest as she was having a glass of champagne back at her hotel, unaware of the chaos going on inside the historic building. The U.S. Capitol Police said Thursday they arrested Bradley Rukstales, who lives in Inverness, and charged him with unlawful entry. Emailus. Brad Rukstales is an Illinois businessman who served as the CEO of data analytics company Cogensia and was among those arrested in Washington, D.C., for his role in storming the U.S. Capitol on. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. According to Brad Rukstales wiki, Bio and Biograph, an Illinois businessman who serves as the CEO of a data analytics company. Rukstales agreed to speak to CBS affiliate WBBM in Chicago, which taped him describing how the rally descended into chaos. The station captured his quiet suburban life in Inverness, an upscale village in Cook County, Illinois. Bradley Rukstales was president and CEO of Cogensia, a tech company in Schaumburg, Ill., when he entered the Capitol with hundreds of radical supporters of former President Donald Trump. Both law enforcement and Trump supporters deployed chemical irritants during the hourslong occupation of the complex before it was cleared Wednesday evening. Camila Alves McConaughey Describes 'Chaos' Of Lufthansa Flight, Barn Floors + Home Theaters + 100-Year-Old Houses: VA Dream Homes, Ashburn Estate Is Loaded With Upgrades Like A Theater And A Wet Bar, Master Singers of VA Presents Sing Her Song, Taxes in Retirement Seminar on March 7th and 8th at Claude Moore Recreation Center, Active Bystander: Tactical Emergency Casualty Care Training, Foley Academy Irish Dance Spring Session Enrollment Open, Barrier-Breaking Black Army Officer Finally Awarded Medal Of Honor, Amazon HQ2 Pause, Peak Bloom, NAACP On Police Killing: Top VA News, Ashburn Area Pets Up For Adoption: Bode, Latte & More. . Sweet and Fitchett, of Matthews County were charged with refusing to leave the Capitol after entering the building on Jan. 6. YouTube Tips Bradley Rukstales of Inverness, Illinois, on Friday, November 12, 2021, was sentenced to 30 days in prison and ordered by U.S. Di Rukstales attorney argued that his client was different from Capitol riot defendants like Jenna Ryan, a Texas real estate agent who stormed the U.S. Capitol, sought a pardon from former President Trump and constantly downplayed her behavior on Jan. 6.