Palm Harbor man arrested for Jan. 6 Capitol breach: DOJ

PALM HARBOR, Fla. (WFLA) — A Palm Harbor man is the newest American behind bars for his role in the Capitol breach on Jan. 6, 2021, according to the Department of Justice.

Michael Hennessey, 38, traveled to Washington D.C. for the “Stop the Steal” rally and joined the crowd to enter the Capitol building via the West Plaza.

Court documents and open-source video show Hennessey among the first group of rioters going upstairs to the Upper West Terrace. At 2:15 p.m., he went through the Senate Wing door and joined the mob of rioters shouting “Our House.”

The DOJ said while in the room, Hennessey appeared to record videos and take photos.

Hennessey eventually reached the Crypt, allegedly pushed up against U.S. Capitol Police while at the front of the crowd, and eventually pushed past police entering the office of the House Majority Leader and the Rotunda.

Documents said Hennessey was “often at the forefront” of the advancing mobs. He made his way toward the Senate Chamber and back to the Rotunda, pushing against officers, who caused an officer to fall down a flight of stairs.

The DOJ said he spent around 56 minutes inside the Capitol building.

A video also shows Hennessey outside of the building, attempting to protect it alongside a crowd.

Hennessey was arrested on Wednesday on felony and misdemeanor charges including, but not limited to, civil disorder, disruptive conduct, and entering and remaining on restricted grounds.

Since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,385 people have been charged for the breach of the Capitol. The investigation remains ongoing.

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