Florida man convicted of spraying Capitol police with pepper gel disappears ahead of sentencing on August 18
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has launched a manhunt across the U.S. for a Florida man who is a member of the Proud Boys who has been convicted for his involvement in the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.
Christopher John Worrell, who was scheduled to be sentenced on Friday, August 18, has disappeared with the agency seeking help from the public in locating him, reported Law and Crime.
Who is Christopher John Worrell?
Worrell is a member of the far-right extremist group Proud Boys who was found guilty of spraying gel on cops during the storming of the Capitol.
He was convicted of seven charges following the incident.
The 52-year-old man was due to face a potential sentencing of 14 years, according to the prosecutors.
However, following his disappearance, the sentencing was canceled and a federal arrest warrant was issued for him on August 15, 2023.
FBI launches manhunt for Christopher Worrell who was under house arrest
Providing details of Worrell, the FBI has issued a wanted notice for the missing Florida man.
Until Worrell was reported missing, he was under house arrest in Florida. The FBI has described him as a white man, with a height of 6' 3" and weighing 280 pounds.
"Christopher John Worrell is wanted for violating conditions of release pending sentencing on federal charges related to the violence at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., on January 6, 2021," read the FBI bulletin.
"A federal arrest warrant was issued for Worrell in the United States District Court, District of Columbia, Washington, D.C., on August 15, 2023," the agency added.
Christopher Worrell was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
In a statement to CNN, a spokesperson for the US Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia also sought information in connection to the missing.
"We are interested in hearing from any members of the public who might have information regarding Mr Worrell's whereabouts," said Patty Hartman.
Worrell who contracted Covid-19 during his time in jail was also diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. He was then released from jail.
In November 2021, he was placed under house arrest after Royce Lamberth, a US District Judge stated that not considering Worrell's health issues was a civil rights violation.
"It's clear to me the civil rights of the defendant were violated by the D.C. Department of Corrections. I don't know if it's because he's a January 6 defendant or not," the judge stated.
