Many of the individuals who allegedly attacked the U.S. Capitol on January 6, exactly one year ago, lost their jobs due to their participation in trying to stop the peaceful transition of power. However, Christopher John Warnagiris still has his gig with the Marines, The Intercept reports. Warnagiris, accused of assaulting police officers, is a major in the U.S. Marine Corps. He is the highest-ranking active-duty military officer arrested in connection with the riots.
“Warnagiris, stationed at the Marine base in Quantico, Virginia, at the time, played a significant role in the attack,” the report states. “Early on, he struggled against Capitol Police officers at the East Rotunda doors, and a video shows him using his body to keep the doors open while helping other rioters get inside.”
He was identified by photos circulating on the Internet.
#yellowzipskulker Please share across all platforms. Do you Know this person?? Please contact the FBI with 241-AFO if you do! #SeditionHunters #DCRIOTS #CapitolRiots #Doyouknow Please DO NOT post names on social media pic.twitter.com/QqL5I92uti
— #SeditionHunters (@SeditionHunters) March 2, 2021
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“After he was identified from photos of the insurrection in March, Warnagiris was arrested by the FBI in May and indicted on charges listed by the Department of Justice as assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees; obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder; obstruction of justice/Congress; knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds,” the outlet reports.
So, why is he still in the Marines?
And a Marine Corps spokesperson said Wednesday that a board of inquiry was held at Quantico in the fall of 2021 “to show cause for retention in the Marine Corps” — in other words, to determine whether he should be allowed to remain in the Marines.
It’s not clear how a Marine, a person that protects our country, would be caught up in the riots to attack our country’s democracy. Warnagiris has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Until the board makes its decision, Warnagiris remains an active-duty Marine assigned to the training and education command at Quantico.
You can read the full report here.
Featured image via Political Tribune gallery
