Fox Carolina reported that the court found Derek Cooper Gunby guilty of misdemeanors including entering and remaining in a restricted building, disorderly conduct in both a restricted building and the Capitol, and demonstrating within the Capitol grounds.

On December 16, the verdict led to a 60-day imprisonment for Gunby, followed by a year of supervised release, illustrating the judiciary's stern response to the Capitol breach.

Alongside incarceration, Gunby was also fined $1,500, further emphasizing the repercussions of his misdemeanor convictions.

Initially, Gunby faced a more severe felony charge related to obstructing an official proceeding.

However, this charge was dismissed in August 2023 after a Supreme Court decision clarified the requirements for such a conviction.

Details from the Day of the Riot

Gunby traveled from South Carolina to Washington, D.C., to participate in the "Stop the Steal" rally, spurred by disproven claims of election fraud.

He documented his involvement on social media, wearing military fatigues and an American flag bandana, captured in photos with the caption: "Up at Zero Dark Thirty to stop this steal."

His entry into the Capitol was through the Senate Parliamentarian Door alongside other rioters.

Police later expelled him at approximately 3 p.m., but he remained on Capitol grounds, escalating his protests on the Upper West Terrace.

Aftermath and Ongoing Legal Actions

Following his expulsion, Gunby's actions on the Capitol grounds continued for over two hours, during which he was heard chanting "Police stand down!" in the midst of clashes.

This detail highlights the charged atmosphere and the serious nature of the confrontations that day.

The legal proceedings against Gunby and his sentencing highlight the broader judicial efforts to address the January 6 Capitol breach, setting precedents for future cases related to similar acts of civil unrest.