Record at a Glance
- Category
- Jan 6th
- Age in NPR record
- 30
- Location
- Danville , Illinois
- Charges
- Entering and Remaining in a Restricted Building or Grounds; Disorderly and Disruptive Conduct in a Restricted Building or Grounds; Disorderly Conduct on Capitol Grounds; Parading, Demonstrating, or Picketing in Capitol Building
- Case status
- Pleaded guilty; Dismissed in part or full; Sentenced
- Presidential action
- Pardon
Case Summary
Derek Andrew Nelson, dressed in revolutionary-era attire, was asked in an interview on Jan. 6, 2021, why he was in Washington, D.C., according to court records. He allegedly replied “To start a revolution. Why are you here?” According to sentencing memos filed in court, Nelson served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Case History
Nelson pleaded Guilty to one charge: Entering and Remaining in a Restricted Building or Grounds. The other charges are dismissed. Sentenced on 7/10/2024 to 75 Days of Incarceration; 12 Months of Supervised Release (with conditions); $500 Restitution; $25 Special Assessment. Nelson received a full pardon on January 20, 2025
Sources
- Primary Documentation
NPR Jan. 6 Defendant DatabaseNPR - Primary Documentation
Underlying court recordCourt record linked by NPR
Case summary, charges, procedural updates and image are drawn from the NPR Jan. 6 archive snapshot dated 2026-09-25 unless otherwise indicated.