Recorded on multiple videos attacking police officers during the Capitol riots on January 6, an active duty U.S. Marine officer recently pleaded not guilty to federal charges, including assault, obstruction, and violent entry on Capitol grounds. The Pentagon has confirmed that the officer remains on active duty despite facing criminal charges.
Around 2:25 p.m. on January 6, Major Christopher Warnagiris was recorded on a security camera helping a small group of Trump supporters gain entry through the East Rotunda doors of the Capitol building. As U.S. Capitol Police Officers attempted to physically block the entrance, Maj. Warnagiris struggled with and shoved one of the officers while trying to maintain his position in the open doorway.
After a former coworker reported Warnagiris to the FBI for his involvement at the Capitol riots, agents visited his military command and confirmed his identity from the video and photos taken on January 6. On May 13, Warnagiris was arrested and charged with assaulting, resisting or impeding officers; obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder; obstruction of Congress; entering a restricted building without lawful authority; and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.
Last week, Maj. Jorge Hernandez, a Marine spokesman at the Pentagon, confirmed that Warnagiris remains on active duty despite facing federal charges. According to Maj. Hernandez, Warnagiris remains an artillery officer stationed at the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Virginia.
“[Warnagiris] reports to work each day and is closely supervised,” Hernandez told Military.com. “He assists in planning activities and day to day tasks assigned by the Policy and Standards Division.”
Earlier this week, Warnagiris pleaded not guilty to the federal charges against him for breaching the Capitol building and attacking police officers. His next court appearance is currently scheduled for August 27.
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