KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City Navy veteran pleaded guilty on Tuesday in federal court to a charge related to his involvement in the January 6 riots on the United States Capitol.
Carey Walden pleaded guilty to knowingly entering or staying in a building or restricted land without legal authorization. A federal judge has set the sentencing date for January 19, 2022.
Walden’s guilty plea comes after he was charged in June with knowingly entering or remaining in a building or restricted land without legal authority, disorderly or disruptive conduct, and marching, demonstrating or picketing in one of the Capitol buildings.
According to the plea deal, Walden admitted he attended the Jan.6 “Save America” rally at the National Mall attended by then-President Donald Trump. He then admitted to going to the Capitol, where he scaled a wall to enter the building.
Walden also admitted entering the Capitol through a previously broken window. He then said he spent about 10 minutes inside the building.
“I took photos and videos. I haven’t broken anything. The police were present and I was not asked to leave. I punched and ‘The devil horn’ the punch line, ”Walden wrote in an account of his participation in the riot, according to court documents.
Walden is the third Kansas City-area accused to plead guilty in the January 6 riot. Earlier this fall, Esther Schwemmer and Jennifer Parks, both of Leavenworth, Kansas, pleaded guilty to marching, demonstrating or picketing at a Capitol building.
Several other Kansas City area defendants have been charged in connection with the January 6 riots. Their cases are ongoing.
This story was originally posted by Sam Hartle and Jack Anstine on the Scripps KSHB station in Kansas City, Missouri.
