Christopher Worrell, the Naples-based Proud Boy who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot, is no longer in custody in a North Carolina federal prison facility as of Tuesday following a presidential pardon signed by President Donald Trump.
Related video above: Christopher Worrell sentenced to 10 years prison
Worrell, 53, had been serving his decade-long sentence after being convicted on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges related to the January 6 attacks.
According to the U.S. Department of Corrections database, Worrell is listed as "Not in BOP Custody as of: 01/21/2025."
His conviction included assaulting Capitol Police Officers with pepper spray, actions that significantly contributed to one of the highest penalties imposed on individuals involved in the riot, second only to Enrique Tarrio, the Proud Boys leader, who received a 22-year sentence for seditious conspiracy.
Worrell’s release was expedited by an executive order issued on Donald Trump’s inauguration day, which granted pardons to all individuals convicted for their roles in the January 6 events.
This unprecedented move aimed to address what Trump supporters viewed as judicial overreach. However, the decision has sparked intense debate, with critics arguing that it undermines accountability for violent actions against democratic institutions.
- See what led to Christopher Worrell's conviction in connection with the Capitol riot
On Jan. 6, Worrell and other “Zone 5” members from the “Hurricane Coast” Proud Boys chapter breached the restricted perimeter and reached the West Plaza of the Capitol by approximately 1 p.m.
Once on Capitol grounds, Worrell spewed vitriol for half an hour at the overwhelmed officers restraining the mob. He filmed himself calling the USCP officers “scum,” “piece[s] of “sh**,” and “commies,” among other expletives and insults.
At 1:31 p.m., Worrell stepped forward and sprayed pepper gel at a line of police officers who were trying to defend the Capitol from the mob on the West Plaza.
Worrell was captured on camera bragging that he had “deployed a whole can” and was “f****** handing it to them.”
Prior to his sentencing in August 2023, Worrell had attempted to evade authorities by cutting off his ankle monitor, leading to a six-week manhunt.
His disappearance ended in September when the FBI, following a tip, located him at his Naples home.
The FBI found him unconscious on his kitchen floor, in possession of $4,000 in cash, night vision goggles, and survivalist gear, indicating his preparedness for evasion.
During his trial, Worrell claimed he intended to use pepper spray against rioters rather than Capitol Police Officers—a narrative dismissed by Senior Judge Royce C. Lamberth as “unbelievable” and a “false narrative.”
Worrell’s release marks a significant moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding justice and reconciliation post-January 6.
Supporters of the pardon argue it serves as a gesture of mercy and a step towards healing national divisions.
Conversely, opponents contend it sets a dangerous precedent, potentially emboldening political extremism and diminishing the rule of law.
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