Chicago Tech CEO Arrested, Charged Unlawful Entry at US - Insider Mr. Rukstales actions were his own; he was not acting on behalf of the company nor do his actions in any way reflect the policies or values of our firm. 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. 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. FACT CHECK: Were No Arrests Made Inside The Capitol On January 6? He was taken into custody inside the Capitol complex after a group of rioters chased officers from the Capitol crypt (underneath the Capitol Rotunda) down into the Capitol Visitor Center. I have come to realize the weight of my actions, and immensely regret following others into the Capitol. My husband is a disabled (Army) veteran. Brad was acting as an individual, not as CEO of Cogensia when he was arrested, the spokeswoman told WBEZ. Bradley F. Rukstales is a white man from Illinois, United States. Others were photographed ransacking the building. 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. U.S. District Judge Carl J. Nichols also ordered Bradley Rukstales of Inverness to pay $500 in restitution. The former chief executive of a tech company in suburban Chicago who lost his job after he threw a chair inside the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6 riot was sentenced Friday to 30 days imprisonment.. Capitol riots: Police arrest man carrying Pelosi's lectern ", Rukstales appeared to address his involvement in a statement on Twitter, saying "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.". I have no excuse for my actions and wish that I could take them back.. Rukistales was the first Illinois resident to plead guilty in the riots. He has also lived in other parts of the U.S. including California, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. My decision to enter the Capitol was wrong, and I am deeply regretful to have done so. He had been the CEO of Cogensia for 19 years, according to his LinkedIn profile. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sentencing held on 11/12/2021, he was sentenced to 30 days of incarceration. Four people died, one of thema woman from San Diegowho was shot and killed inside the Capitol. Without qualification and as a peaceful and law-abiding citizen, I condemn the violence and destruction that took place in Washington., Offering sincere apologies for what he called his indiscretion, Rukstales added: I deeply regret that my actions have brought embarrassment to my family, colleagues, friends and fellow countrymen., It was the single worst decision of my life, he wrote. When asked about the claim, the Capitol Police directed Check Your Fact to a press release showing a list of 14 people arrested at the Capitol that day, 10 of which were arrested for "unlawful entry." Some of those named, including Bradley Rukstales and Michael Curzio, admitted to being inside the building when they were arrested. It's also been important to me to control my own destiny. There are 20+ professionals named "Rukstales", who use LinkedIn to exchange information, ideas, and opportunities. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. In Guilty Plea, Capitol Rioter Brad Rukstales Says He Was - MSN Fitzgerald posted a video that was taken near the Capitol on his Facebook page at about 7 p.m. Wednesday , a few hours after the violent insurrection. She said she traveled to Washington in response to Trumps call for support Big protest in D.C. on January 6th. I think there will be real violence for all of us next time. Dec 31, 2022 For 25 years die-hard Michigan Wolverines fans have endured a roller coaster of agony and close calls. Three other people died after suffering medical emergencies related to the breach, said Robert Contee, chief of the citys Metropolitan Police Department. He pleaded not guilty to all counts on 3/30/21. In this photo, damage is seen inside the US Capitol building early. Authorities identified Steele-Smith by reviewing surveillance footage and comparing her Facebook photos to her drivers license. 6 Shocking Details In Criminal Charges Against Pro-Trump Insurrectionists "The officer immediately turned around, brought Rukstales to the ground, and he and another officers dragged Rukstales behind their defensive line to be arrested," the charges alleged. Subsequently, Cindy Fitchett, Michael Curzio, Douglas Sweet, Terry Brown, Bradley Rukstales, and Thomas Gallgher were all issued Citations to Appear in the District of Columbia Superior Court on a later date.. Defendants like Jenna Ryan made post-arrest public statements reflecting a belief that she was immune from punishment because of her social status and a personal message that she would get off Scott free, Rukstales lawyer wrote. In a video David Fitzgerald posted to his Facebook page, members of the media and Trump supporters were wandering among police officers, asking how they could leave an area enclosed by fences. Rukstales, CEO of Schaumburg-based tech company Cogensia, was one of the people arrested by police after a group of domestic terrorists stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attack. I think its horrible that happened. He was. We are resolute in our commitment to holding accountable anyone responsible for these disgraceful criminal acts, and to anyone who might be considering engaging in or inciting violence in the coming weeks know this: you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law., Rukstales appeared to address his involvement in a statement on Twitter, saying "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.". The CEO of a Schaumburg-based technology company and a west suburban tattoo artist are among those charged with unlawful entry of the U.S. Capitol during Wednesdays riot, police officials said. Rukstales is the CEO of a suburban Illinois company. The documents said that at about 2 p.m. certain individuals in the crowd forced their way through, up, and over the barricades and officers of the U.S. Capitol Police, and the crowd advanced to the exterior facade of the building. 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. Fitzgerald's wife told NBC 5 her husband was there "to support [President Donald Trump" and was "just trying to leave" when he was arrested. Schaumberg CEO, Bradley Rukstales fired after storming U.S. Capitol 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. He hosted members at his Virginia home in Clarke County for a Nov. 14 pro-Trump protest in Washington that turned violent, prosecutors alleged. [emailprotected], Law&Crime's managing editor Adam Klasfeld has spent more than a decade on the legal beat. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Four people died, one of thema woman from San Diegowho was shot and killed inside the Capitol. Bradley Rukstales attended the initial protest in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, and when the demonstration devolved into a violent riot, he took part in the chaos and invaded the Capitol. Bradley Rukstales, CEO of marketing consultancy Cogensia, has reportedly acknowledged entering the Capitol during the riots. But Andrews, 56, said she was unaware anything illegal was happening. David Fitzgerald, 48, a tattoo artist from Roselle, was charged with a curfew violation and unlawful entry, according to police records posted online. We've received your submission. Rukstales pleaded guilty in August to a misdemeanor offense of parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building as part of a plea agreement. I think its horrible that happened. Bradley Rukstales biography: 13 things about Donald Trump supporter (Brad Rukstales) On the same day the U.S. Department of Justice filed charges in federal court against the mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol building last Wednesday, Bradley Rukstales, a Schaumberg tech firm President and CEO, was fired for his role in the act of domestic terrorism. Do you have a press pass? the officer asked. Fitzgerald's wife told NBC 5 her husband was there "to . A U.S. Capitol Police officer died from injuries Friday. The first known federal charges stemming from the riot were unsealed Thursday afternoon in a court in Washington, laying out an official account of the chaos that interrupted the Electoral College vote count. Court records indicate Fitzgerald pleaded not guilty and is due back before a judge in June. 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. Bradley Rukstales Inverness, IL: Ex-CEO of Schaumburg company Cogensia 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. Caldwell, of Clarke County, must remain in jail until his trial because he represents not just a danger to the community but to the fabric of democracy, a federal judge ruled Feb. 12. Suburban tech company fires CEO who was charged in federal court after A Chicago-area man who lost his job as CEO of a tech firm because he participated in the Jan. 6 post-election unrest at the U.S. Capitol was sentenced Friday. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper dubbed Ryan a cheerleader for the Jan. 6 attack and sentenced her to 60 days in federal prison, which shell begin serving in January. My decision to enter the Capitol was wrong, and I am deeply regretful to have done so, Rukstales said. In the 2020 election cycle, Rukstales gave more than $25,000 to then-President Trump's campaign and Republican committees, according to The Associated Press. '", Andrews told Crain's Chicago Business that she was not part of the violence and was with a different crowd on another side of the Capitol building. I think its horrible that somebody broke their way in, she said. Bradley F. Rukstales . "Cogensia President and CEOBrad Rukstaleshas been terminated by the company's Board of Directors effective immediately," the company announced in a release. 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. Rukstales said he was. "It turned into chaos," Rukstales said of the riot when he talked to De Mar on Jan. 7. Fitzgerald is a self-employed tattoo artist, according to his social-media accounts and company filings with state officials. Additionally, about 40 others have been arrested and charged with crimes including unlawful entry, curfew violations and firearms-related crimes. #GoBlue 109 181 1,702 The man, 28, was shot in the left shoulder about 12:45 p.m. Saturday while in the 1000 block of West 59th Street. Eric Gavalek . It was the single worst personal decision of my life, the execs statement continued. De Mar then asked Rukstales if he was inside the Capitol the day before. He is the host of Law&Crime podcast "Objections: with Adam Klasfeld.". Circled in yellow, Joseph Pavlik, 65, a retired Chicago Fire Department firefighter, was charged with storming the U.S. Capitol with a right-wing militia group on Jan. 6, 2021, while wearing gas masks and carrying chemical irritants. View the profiles of professionals named "Rukstales" on LinkedIn. Fired tech CEO from Inverness pleads guilty in US Capitol siege on Jan. 6 Bradley Rukstales, who lost his job after being charged in the siege of the U.S. Capitol, is the first Illinoisan to be. According to a news release Friday from the Department of Justice, Bradley Rukstales, 52, 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.. The 52-year-old was the CEO of Schaumburg-based Cogensia, which acknowledged his arrest in a statement on social media and announced later Friday that he was fired. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Late Friday, a day after he was placed on leave, Cogensia terminated Rukstales. The six individuals, Cindy Fitchett, Michael Curzio, Douglas Sweet, Terry Brown, Bradley Rukstales, and Thomas Gallgher, were removed from the crowd, placed in handcuffs, and arrested. He is the chief executive of a Chicago-area company that provides data-marketing solutions. Sidorski was charged with four counts related to violent entry into the restricted grounds of the Capitol, CNN reported. PAWS Chicago Pet of the Week: Meet Benny! Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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. 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. The six individuals, like others in the larger crowd, willfully refused the order to leave, the police officer said. 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. Former Chicago-area CEO sentenced to 30 days in prison for role in Jan Illinois CEO Among 13 Charged in Federal Court After US Capitol Riot 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. The officer described Rukstales as part of a group of six people he encountered on the upper level of the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center near the door to the House Atrium who refused orders to leave. Caldwell, a Navy veteran who worked for the FBI from 2009 to 2010, has been held at the Central Virginia Regional Correctional Facility in Orange since he was arrested at his home on Jan. 19. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols also ordered Bradley Rukstales, of Inverness, Illinois, to pay $500 in restitution, court records show. Metropolitan Police said they charged David Fitzgerald, 48, with unlawful entry on federal grounds and breaking curfew near the Capitol late Wednesday, WBEZ reported. Bradley Rukstales, 52, of Inverness, was arrested by the Capitol Police and David Fitzgerald, 48, of Roselle, was arrested by the Washington Metropolitan police. Mellis was arrested and taken into custody this week at his home in Williamsburg, according to reports. WASHINGTON, DC Federal authorities are continuing to investigate hundreds of people in connection with the deadly pro-Trump insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. 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. Rukstales eldest daughter, a teacher in her mid-20s, wrote in a letter to the judge that they disagree politically but that he shouldnt be defined by his actions on Jan. 6. A review of online footage and photos of Nancy Pelosis office by law enforcement agents confirms that the posted photos do indeed appear to be photos of her office, the FBI affidavit says. The complaint against Alberts alleges he was identified using a Maryland drivers license. Rukstales was one of a small number of Capitol riot defendants who were actually arrested on Jan. 6. Fired tech CEO from Inverness pleads guilty in US Capitol siege on Jan. 6 Dave LaRock, a Republican member of the Virginia House of Delegates who represents western Loudoun County as well as Clarke and Frederick Counties. Many of the defendants are current or former police officers and members of the military. Charging documents say he "picked up one of the chairs at the bottom of the stairwell, and threw it in the direction of where the officers had retreated down the corridor.". A third Illinois man, 23-year-old Siham Raju, was arrested. Have a tip we should know? 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. The CEO of a data analytics firm who was arrested during the U.S. Capitol riot has been terminated from his role, the company announced Friday. Cogensia CEO Bradley Rukstales Wikipedia And Net Worth - Halla News His wife, Jeanette, said her husband, a disabled veteran, never went into the Capitol building itself. Fired tech CEO Bradley Rukstales pleads to Jan. 6 charges: 'It was the Sean Carlo Cordon, the third rioter sentenced Friday, received just probation. Three other people died after suffering medical emergencies related to the breach, said Robert Contee, chief of the citys Metropolitan Police Department. On January 8, the company's board of directors fired him as president and CEO of Cogensia marketing firm. Chicago area residents arrested, lose jobs after riots at U.S. Capitol WBEZ brings you fact-based news and information. 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 Former suburban CEO sentenced to 30 days for storming U.S. Capitol There was nothing negative going on at all.. Area Ceo, Suburban Tattoo Artist Among Those Arrested at Capitol