In a significant development related to the events of January 6, 2021, a St. Louis man, formerly known as Daniel Donnelly Jr., has pleaded guilty to a felony offense stemming from his actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol. This breach, which shook the nation and the world, disrupted a joint session of Congress convened to certify the electoral votes of the 2020 presidential election.
F.K.A. Daniel Donnelly Jr., now known as Rally Runner, admitted to a felony offense of civil disorder in the District of Columbia. The guilty plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Jia M. Cobb, who is set to sentence Runner on July 30, 2024.
According to court documents, Runner traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the rally organized in support of the former President on January 6, 2021. Following the rally, Runner proceeded to the U.S. Capitol building, notably adorned in a red “Keep America Great” hat, red jacket, and distinctive red face paint. His journey led him to the Lower West Terrace Tunnel, a site that witnessed some of the most violent clashes between rioters and law enforcement.
Witnesses and evidence presented in court reveal Runner’s active involvement in the tumultuous events that unfolded at the Tunnel. He was observed aiding the crowd, passing a ladder towards the Tunnel’s opening before positioning himself at the forefront of the rioters. Armed with a stolen riot shield, Runner engaged in a confrontational standoff with law enforcement officers, using the shield to push against them and gain ground.
The confrontation escalated as the rioters surged forward, with Runner leading the charge, continuing to wield the riot shield aggressively. Despite law enforcement’s efforts to push back the crowd, Runner persisted, eventually forcing officers into the Capitol building. Video evidence further corroborated Runner’s actions, with him admitting his presence at the Capitol and expressing his intent to lead the charge further.
Runner’s arrest by the FBI in St. Louis on August 2, 2023, marked a significant step in holding individuals accountable for their role in the Capitol breach. The prosecution of this case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri.
This case underscores the ongoing efforts to address the ramifications of the January 6th events. To date, over 1,358 individuals across nearly all states have been charged, with more than 486 facing felony charges related to assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation continues as authorities seek to bring all responsible parties to justice.
As the legal proceedings progress, the case of Rally Runner serves as a stark reminder of the need to uphold the rule of law and safeguard the democratic institutions that form the foundation of the United States.
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