Four 'Three Percenters' from California Convicted for Conspiracy, Obstruction in Jan. 6 Capitol Riot
"Erik Warner, Felipe Martinez, Derek Kinnison, and Ronald Mele found guilty over their roles in the 2021 Capitol attack, being a part of the 'Three Percenters' militia group, and coordinating the storm via a chat group; two also convicted of tampering with documents or proceedings."
- Four men from California, associated with the 'Three Percenters' militia group, have been found guilty on charges stemming from their participation in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot; The men have been identified as Erik Warner, Felipe Martinez, Derek Kinnison, and Ronald Mele.
- All four men were convicted of conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, with Warner and Kinnison also charged with tampering with documents or proceedings, both of which are felony offenses.
- Evidence presented during trial revealed how the men used a Telegram chat group, 'The California Patriots - DC Brigade', to plan their travel to Washington, D.C., discuss their intentions and coordinate actions leading up to the Jan. 6 attack.
- On the day of the riot, details emerged of Warner entering the Capitol through a broken window, whilst Martinez, Kinnison, and Mele advanced on a police line on the northwest lawn. Mele captured a 'selfie' style video shouting, 'Storm the Capitol!', as they ascended the northwest stairs.
- Following the event, Warner and Kinnison deleted the 'DC Brigade' chat from their cell phones in an attempt to conceal their involvement from investigators.