Former Marine and Trump Supporter Pleads Guilty to Disorderly Conduct in Connection with Capitol Riot

A former Marine and Trump supporter, Ray Epps, has pleaded guilty to one count of disorderly conduct in a restricted building or grounds in connection with the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. Epps had become the focus of widespread conspiracy theories that he was a federal agent after his image was added and then removed from the FBI’s Capitol Violence website.

At a hearing before U.S. District Chief Judge James Boasberg in Washington, Epps acknowledged moving through downed police barriers on Jan. 6 and admitted to placing his hands on a sign that was later pushed into police officers by the mob. He also acknowledged saying “We’re in the Capitol” and “We’re taking this.”

The conspiracy theory posited that the man pictured on the FBI’s website was a government agent and that Jan. 6 was a “false flag” event encouraged by the FBI. However, Epps has now admitted that he was not a government agent and was instead a part of the mob that stormed the Capitol.

Under federal sentencing guidelines, Epps will face between zero and six months in prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Dec. 19. It remains to be seen what punishment he will receive for his role in the Capitol riot.